Cardinal Michael Czerny named first recipient of Pope Leo XIV Sustainability Medal

Cardinal Michael Czerny, SJ, has been named the inaugural recipient of the Pope Leo XIV Sustainability Medal. The award, established by Villanova University, recognizes individuals dedicated to ecological sustainability, social justice, ethics, and integral human development.

The medal is named after Pope Leo XIV, an alumnus of Villanova University. The presentation ceremony is scheduled for October 13, 2026, at the Borgo Laudato Si’ garden within the Pontifical Gardens in Castel Gandolfo. The event will take place during Villanova University’s International Sustainability Conference 2026.

Cardinal Czerny, a former prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, was selected for his decades of work defending vulnerable populations and promoting social and environmental justice. His career includes significant service in Canada, El Salvador, and Kenya.