Pope Leo XIV calls for end to consumerism to protect resources

Pope Leo XIV has called for a shift away from the current consumerist model to protect the planet's limited resources. During an audience in Vatican City with a delegation from the Italian multi-utility company Hera Group, the Pontiff emphasized that the ecological challenge of the current era is more urgent than ever.

He warned against the uncontrolled consumption of resources and the increasingly problematic management and disposal of massive amounts of waste. The Pope urged a change in behavior, suggesting that society must stop treating used objects as mere waste and instead adopt a ‘culture of care’ to oppose the ‘culture of waste.’

Leo XIV highlighted the partnership between the Vatican and Hera Group as a practical example of this transition. The collaboration, which began in early 2024 for urban waste treatment, expanded during the 2025 Jubilee with specialized PET plastic recycling systems at St. Peter's Square and the Vatican Museums. The alliance further evolved in 2026 with the introduction of a high-capacity, 100% electric vehicle fleet for ecological waste collection within Vatican territory.