Cardinal Michael Czerny receives inaugural Pope Leo XIV Sustainability Medal

Cardinal Michael Czerny has been awarded the inaugural Pope Leo XIV Sustainability Medal. The award, established by Villanova University, recognizes Czerny’s lifelong commitment to integral ecology, social justice, human rights, and climate justice.

The ceremony took place at Borgo Laudato Si’ in Castel Gandolfo during an international sustainability conference. While Pope Leo XIV was expected to present the medal personally, he was unable to attend due to a scheduled lung surgery at Gemelli Polyclinic. Cardinal Fabio Baggio, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, presided over the event and called for prayers for the Pontiff’s recovery.

In his acceptance speech, Cardinal Czerny expressed gratitude to his parents for their environmental values and dedicated the honor to those who listen to ‘the cry of the poor and the Earth.’