Villanova University to Present Inaugural Pope Leo XIV Sustainability Medal in Rome

The inaugural medal bearing Pope Leo XIV’s name will be presented to Cardinal Czerny, S.J., tomorrow at Borgo Laudato Si’

 

ROME, Italy (Oct. 12, 2026) — Villanova University opened its 2026 International Sustainability Conference, “Responding to the Cries of the Earth and the Poor”, today in Rome. The four-day gathering at the Augustinian Patristic Pontifical Institute features the presentation of the inaugural Pope Leo XIV Sustainability Medal, Oct. 13, at the Laudato Si' Center for Higher Education in Borgo Laudato Si’, Castel Gandolfo. Created to honor leaders advancing integral ecology, the medal recognizes work that connects environmental action with social justice, human rights, and support for communities.

The inaugural medal will be awarded to Cardinal Michael Czerny, S.J., in recognition of his lifelong commitment to human rights, migration, climate justice, and integral human development. As Rev. John Abubakar, O.S.A., PhD, Chief Sustainability Officer at Villanova University, explained, “the medal recognizes a broader understanding of environmental leadership — one that encompasses not only technical achievement, but also the responsibility to protect and responsibly steward natural resources."

The four-day conference is the academic and policy framework for the presentation, convening international scholars, Church leaders, and policymakers to advance collaborative solutions to the climate crisis. The agenda features keynote addresses from prominent global figures, including Robert Bullard, PhD, recognized as the father of environmental justice, and Wanjira Mathai, managing director for Africa and Global Partnerships at the World Resources Institute. Throughout the week, plenary panels and lightning talks will examine critical intersections of global sustainability, including environmental stewardship, ethics of artificial intelligence, housing inequality, philanthropic partnerships, and social justice.

The four-day conference opened today at the Patristic Institute Augustinianum, drawing over 350 leaders and researchers from across the globe. Following check-in, delegates attended the official welcome session led by the Prior General of the Augustinian Order, Rev. Joseph Farrell, O.S.A.; Villanova University President, Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., and Chief Sustainability Officer, Rev. John Abubakar, O.S.A. The day’s proceedings wrapped up with an evening welcome reception and dinner in the Augustinianum Garden.

Conference Agenda Highlights (CEST)

Tuesday, October 13 | Environmental Justice & Medal Ceremony

• 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Conference Check-in (Patristicum Lobby)

• 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Opening Prayer, Environmental Justice Keynote & Plenary Panel on Philanthropy (Auditorium)

• PM: Off-site Program at Laudato Si’ Center For Higher Education, (Castel Gandolfo). Visit to the Center and Pope Leo XIV Sustainability Medal Ceremony. 

Wednesday, October 14 | Artificial Intelligence, Housing & Research

• All day: Conference Check-in

• 7:15 AM: Holy Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica

• 9:00 AM – 9:30AM: Welcome and opening prayer

• 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM: Keynote Address: Card. Michael Czerny, S.J.

• 10:30 AM – 10:50 AM: Coffee & Networking

• 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Plenary Panel: Sustainability and AI

• 1:30 PM – 2:50 PM: Lightning Talks Session 1

• 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Plenary Panel: Housing & Sustainability

• 4:10 PM – 5:10 PM: Poster Session and coffee – Session 1

• 5:15 PM - 6:15 PM: Lightning Talks & Panels: Session 2

• 6:15 PM – 7:00 PM: Networking Aperitivi

 Thursday, October 15 | Global Partnerships & Closing

• All day: Conference Check-in

• 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Welcome and Opening Prayer

• 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM: Keynote Address: Wanjira Mathai

• 10:30 AM – 10:50 AM: Coffee Break & Networking

• 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Plenary Panel: Best Practices in Sustainable Partnerships

• 12:00 PM – 1:20 PM: Lunch

• 1:30 PM – 2:50 PM: Lightning Talks & Panels – Session 3

• 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Poster Presentations – Session 2 Coffee

• 4:10 PM – 5:10 PM: Plenary Panel: Social Justice Documentary

• 5:15 PM – 6:15 PM: Lightning Talks & Panels – Session 4

• 6:15 PM – 7:00 PM: Closing Session

• 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM: Conference Dinner (Garden)

Sustainability at Villanova University: In 2007, Villanova University President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, signed the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment. In 2018, the Villanova Sustainability Leadership Council was established to develop a 10-year, actionable, and measurable plan to guide the University’s comprehensive effort to support the planet and its people and to ensure prosperity for all. By committing the University to the Laudato Si Action Platform and developing a customized Laudato Si’ Plan, Villanova University is taking decisive and unflinching action to build a better future. At the core of all sustainability activities, both large and small, is the University’s vision to establish an ethos of sustainable living. As an Augustinian Catholic institution, Villanova is committed to generating and advocating sustainable action to help create a future that provides enough for all, forever.

About Villanova University: Since 1842, Villanova University’s Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition has been the cornerstone of an academic community in which students learn to think critically, act compassionately, and succeed while serving others. There are more than 10,000 undergraduate, graduate and law students in the University's six colleges—the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Villanova School of Business, the College of Engineering, the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, the College of Professional Studies and the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. Ranked among the nation’s top universities, Villanova supports its students’ intellectual growth and prepares them to become ethical leaders who create positive change everywhere life takes them. For more, visit www.villanova.edu

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