Ceremony & Presentation
The Pope Leo XIV Sustainability Medal serves as a tangible sign of the importance of environmental justice and respect for creation in our world.
By leading the global Catholic Church in addressing environmental and social challenges, Pope Leo XIV models how leaders across sustainability, theology, policy and business can respond with rigorous, ethical and actionable plans to recognize our interconnectedness in caring for our people and our planet.
The Inaugural Ceremony
On October 13, 2026, Cardinal Michael Czerny, S.J., Prefect Emeritus of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, today received the inaugural Pope Leo XIV Sustainability Medal in a ceremony at Borgo Laudato Si’. Presented by Villanova University during its 2026 International Sustainability Conference, the presentation marks the first time that a medal bearing the name of Pope Leo XIV has been awarded.
The event gathered Vatican dignitaries, international scholars, and university leaders to honor Cardinal Czerny’s lifelong advocacy for climate justice, human rights, and vulnerable populations.
Accepting the honor, His Eminence Cardinal Michael Czerny S.J. emphasized three key dimensions of ecological action: the urgency of acting in time, the quest for environmental balance, and the threat of our disconnection from nature. Addressing these challenges, Czerny called for deep conversion, stating that "the only true solution: to discard our many bad habits and adopt new paths through countless personal, communal and social changes of behavior." Czerny stated during his address.
The Venue
Borgo Laudato Si’—the Laudato Si’ Village—functions as the Vatican's center for integral ecology and sustainability. It was intentionally created to foster education, research and practical projects inspired by the landmark encyclical Laudato Si'.
Holding the Medal Ceremony at Borgo Laudato Si’ underscores the Conference's core dedication to linking academic research, environmental stewardship and social justice in a setting uniquely committed to caring for our common home.
