In a significant gathering for global sustainability, over 350 leaders have convened in Rome and Castel Gandolfo to explore collaborative solutions to pressing ecological challenges at Villanova University’s International Sustainability Conference.
Cardinal Czerny Honored with Inaugural Sustainability Medal
CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (Oct. 13, 2026) — In an event held at Borgo Laudato Si’, Cardinal Michael Czerny, S.J., received the first-ever Pope Leo XIV Sustainability Medal. This accolade was presented during the 2026 International Sustainability Conference hosted by Villanova University, marking a historic moment in the recognition of sustainability efforts.
The ceremony was attended by Vatican dignitaries, international scholars, and university leaders, celebrating Cardinal Czerny’s dedication to climate justice, human rights, and support for vulnerable communities.
Cardinal Czerny’s Call to Action
Upon receiving the honor, Cardinal Czerny highlighted three critical aspects of ecological response: timely action, environmental balance, and the risks of disconnecting from nature. He urged for a transformative shift, expressing that “the only true solution: to discard our many bad habits and adopt new paths through countless personal, communal and social changes of behavior.”
Integral Approach to Ecological Crisis
Cardinal Fabio Baggio, C.S., General Director of the Laudato Si’ Center for Higher Education, hosted the ceremony and emphasized the necessity of integrating environmental care, social justice, and faith to effectively tackle the ecological crisis, echoing Pope Francis’s teachings. “The world does not need environmental care alone, social justice alone, or faith alone. It needs the living connection between all three,” he remarked.
Villanova University’s Commitment
Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, President of Villanova University, reaffirmed the university’s dedication to fostering ethical leadership on a global scale through education. “When truth, unity, and love work together, they become a powerful force for healing our common home and advancing the dignity of every human person,” stated Fr. Donohue.
Foundation and Future of the Conference
The International Sustainability Conference, initiated by Villanova University’s Sustainability Office under Rev. John Abubakar, OSA, PhD, started in 2024. The Pope Leo XIV Sustainability Medal was introduced in 2026, creating a biennial platform that not only brings together global leaders but also acknowledges outstanding contributions to ecological stewardship and human dignity.
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