By Vatican News
Villanova University and its Office for Sustainability have established the Pope Leo XIV Sustainability Medal, a new international honor recognizing individuals whose leadership has advanced sustainability, ecological responsibility, and integral human development.
The Medal, Villanova explained in a press release, “seeks to honor those whose work demonstrates a holistic vision of sustainability, integrating care for the environment, social justice, concern for vulnerable populations, and responsible stewardship of economic and natural resources.”
The US-based Augustinian university added that it evaluates integral ecology over pure technical metrics.
Recipients may come from any field or discipline and will be selected based on their demonstrated impact in advancing a more sustainable and equitable world.
Sustainability Conference this October
The inaugural Pope Leo XIV Sustainability Medal will be presented by the Holy Father in Castel Gandolfo during the Villanova International Sustainability Conference: Responding to the Cries of the Earth and the Poor, from October 12–15, 2026.
The Conference will bring together approximately 300 participants—including academics, researchers, Church representatives, foundations, and public and private sector leaders—in a transdisciplinary forum designed to move from dialogue to concrete, collaborative action.
The inaugural Medal winner will be announced in September 2026, ahead of the Conference and the official award ceremony at Borgo Laudato si’ in Castel Gandolfo.