Pope Leo XIV to award new Villanova U. sustainability medal named in his honor

Villanova University is set to establish a new sustainability medal named after Pope Leo XIV, who graduated from the university in 1977. The inaugural award will be presented by the Pope himself in October during the 2026 Villanova International Sustainability Conference in Rome. The biennial award aims to recognize individuals who significantly contribute to sustainability efforts. This event highlights the university's commitment to environmental stewardship and the Pope's influential role in promoting global sustainability initiatives.