Cardinal Michael Czerny to receive inaugural Pope Leo XIV Sustainability Medal

Villanova University has announced that Cardinal Michael Czerny will be the inaugural recipient of the Pope Leo XIV Sustainability Medal. The award, created by the Pope’s alma mater, recognizes leadership in advancing sustainability, ecological responsibility, and integral human development.

Cardinal Czerny, the former prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, will receive the medal from Pope Leo XIV on October 13 at Borgo Laudato Si’ in Castel Gandolfo. The presentation will take place during the Villanova International Sustainability Conference in Rome, which focuses on the theme “Responding to the Cries of the Earth and the Poor.”

During a press conference in Rome, Cardinal Czerny emphasized the importance of preparing for future challenges, noting that responsibility extends beyond ecology to include artificial intelligence and political accountability.