Hames Haupt
For Pope Leo XIV, sustainability is a moral responsibility. Building on Pope Francis’ mission to protect our “common home,” Pope Leo XIV has continued to emphasize the connection between environmental care, human dignity, and the protection of the most vulnerable.
This vision is reflected in Villanova University’s 2026 International Sustainability Conference, which has been held in Rome from October 12 to October 16. It’s the second edition of the biennial conference with the first taking place in 2024 at Villanova University.
FR. JOHN ABUBAKAR
Villanova University’s Chief Sustainability Officer
It’s been a very enriching moment for us. Time spent together to build community, to encourage people to think a little more about this very pressing, important issues of our time.
The theme of the conference is Responding to the Cries of the Earth and the Poor. It included over 100 lightning talks and three keynote speakers. There were about 350 participants from 30 different countries in attendance.
FR. JOHN ABUBAKAR
Villanova University’s Chief Sustainability Officer
18 countries are based in the global south. We were able to get funding for scholarships for about 50 participants.
This year’s conference marked the debut of the Pope Leo XIV Sustainability Medal, a new award established by the university to recognize leaders in sustainability. It was instituted as a way of honoring the alumn of Villanova, as a platform to advance commitment to care for the environment and the poor.
Pope Leo XIV was initially scheduled to present the award on Tuesday, October 13, but couldn’t attend due to his surgery and recovery. Instead, Villanova President Father Peter M. Donahue presented the medal to Cardinal Czerny.
Cardinal Czerny, who recently retired as Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, was the first recipient of this inaugural award, recognized for his climate justice and human rights efforts. He also served as a keynote speaker on the following day of the conference
FR. JOHN ABUBAKAR
Villanova University’s Chief Sustainability Officer
And today we had Cardinal Czerny, the first recipient of the medal. He spoke largely around ethical involvement, and, you know, the moral dimension of our lives and as far as care for creation is concerned.
Villanova University and all those involved in the conference hope that it encourages people to do more and results in concrete action that can be recorded for the next conference in two years.
