Villanova University names Cardinal Michael Czerny first winner of its sustainability award

 

Villanova names Vatican cardinal first recipient of Pope Leo sustainability award

Cardinal Michael Czerny, then-prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, speaks at a presentation of Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical, "Magnifica Humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence," at the Synod Hall at the Vatican May 25, 2026. (CNS/Lola Gomez)

by Justin McLellan

Vatican City — September 14, 2026

Pope Leo XIV's alma mater, Villanova University, has named the former head of the Vatican's social justice office, Cardinal Michael Czerny, as the inaugural recipient of a sustainability award honoring the pope's advocacy on caring for creation. 

The Czech Canadian cardinal led the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development until Sept. 1, where he became one of the Vatican's most visible voices on climate change.

In 2022, he had called for an immediate end to the exploration and production of coal, oil and gas and said that all existing fossil fuel production must be phased out. 

Under Czerny's leadership, the dicastery also launched the Laudato Si' Action Platform, an initiative designed to put into practice the principles of Pope Francis' 2015 encyclical on care for creation, "Laudato Si', on Care for Our Common Home."

Lorna Gold, executive director of the Laudato Si' Movement, said they could think of no one more fitting than Czerny to receive the award. In his role with the dicastery, Czerny worked closely with Laudato Si' Movement — a network of 900-plus Catholic organizations committed to responding to Francis' encyclical on ecology — particularly with the 2022 documentary "The Letter" and the Laudato Si' Action Platform.

"Cardinal Czerny has always brought a profound concern for the poor, the migrants, the margins — insisting that the vision of 'sustainability' in Catholic teaching must always answer both the cries of the poor and the earth," Gold told National Catholic Reporter.

Villanova wanted to name the award after its most famous alumnus, who graduated with a bachelor's degree in mathematics in 1977, since integral ecology is "something he personally has been very interested in, and has been for long before he's been pope," Augustinian Fr. Peter Donohue, university president, told NCR. "It's a message he's had for his whole ministry."

As pope, Leo has followed in the footsteps of Francis who make care for God's creation a central tenet of his pontificate, calling on world leaders to take seriously the risks posed by climate change and publicly praying for the conversion of those who resist climate action.  

In a Mass celebrated "for the care of creation" in the papal gardens Sept. 1, Leo asked Catholics to recognize the ways in which they have been "unfaithful in safekeeping creation and caring for the dignity of each person." 

The medal will be presented by Leo personally on Oct. 13 in a ceremony at the papal gardens in Castel Gandolfo, outside of Rome, during an international sustainability conference organized by Villanova. 

Though awarded to a member of the clergy in its first year, the Pope Leo medal remains "wide open" to anyone who is deemed to fulfills its values, Donohue said, namely "a holistic vision of sustainability, integrating care for the environment, social justice, concern for vulnerable populations, and responsible stewardship of economic and natural resources." The medal will be awarded every two years.

Ecology "was an important thing within the university but we hadn't really done anything to take out what we have been discovering, or what we have been teaching and learning outside of the university," Donohue told NCR. "So, the medal is a way of recognizing someone that we see as an individual who we see that will contribute, to make some change in the world. It was really to see who the changemakers are and recognize them." 

At a Rome press conference announcing the award, Czerny was asked how the ecological principles it recognizes should inform the development of artificial intelligence. 

The cardinal pointed to Leo's AI encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, which he said makes clear that "we cannot go on thinking, feeling and behaving as if this whole thing was beyond us."

"We could compare this with the Industrial Revolution, which I think began with people feeling that there was nothing that could be done, and which nevertheless developed important responses, some of them very actively sponsored or supported by the church," Czerny said. "Our hope would be that, similarly, in a very different world than the 19th century, that people would help one another, and that the church would help them to take appropriate responsibility for AI."

"We have made it. We want to use it; it's ours. We can't blame anybody else," he said.

The National Catholic Reporter's Rome Bureau is made possible in part by the generosity of Joan and Bob McGrath.

USCCB Statement for Labor Day 2026

 

Labor Day Statement 2026

Most Reverend Shelton J. Fabre
Archbishop of Louisville
Chairman of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development 
September 7, 2026

Labor Day is an opportunity to celebrate workers and honor the dignity of work. Work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of participation in God’s creation. This year, we focus on young people and vulnerable communities who face uncertainty in today’s economy. Traditional economic indicators tell us the economy is growing, but hiring has slowed, especially for unemployed workers, and unemployment remains high for Black workers.^[i] Roughly one-quarter of the labor force are low-wage workers; among them, 72% lack stable and secure jobs^[ii] and more than half are people of color.^[iii] More than 70% of Americans believe having children is unaffordable, an increase of 13 points in just the last year.^[iv] There is widespread concern that artificial intelligence (AI) will lead to higher unemployment and to fewer jobs that can support a family. Young people have been the most impacted so far^[v] and also experience the most anxiety about AI’s impact on their work.^[vi]  We must listen to the experiences of workers, families, young people, and communities of color as they struggle to find stability. 

While affirming his predecessors’ teachings on labor which support human flourishing and the common good, including dignified work, just wages, and support for labor unions, Pope Leo XIV, in his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence, highlights the new challenges arising from AI. He notes that although AI presents new opportunities, it also risks normalizing a vision that is anti-human. AI systems can imitate but never replace human intelligence. AI cannot feel, love, discern, or receive God’s grace and wisdom. It is not morally neutral and risks creating “new forms of exclusion” (no. 102). AI must be carefully developed to ensure it serves the common good and humanity itself. [vii]

Pope Leo expressly acknowledges the great risks of AI for workers: de-skilling, surveillance, rigid and repetitive tasks, reduced agency and creativity, unemployment, job insecurity, concentrated power, and increased inequalities. Furthermore, AI relies on low-wage workers, who are often hidden and who endure harsh conditions, caught in an exploitative supply chain. Pope Leo calls us to work together to “design systems centered on the human person and not solely on performance” (no. 150) and foster an economy that values the God given dignity of each person. Dignified work is not merely about productivity, but also participation in God’s creation. A just economy is not judged on profit alone, but on inclusive growth and protection for the most vulnerable (no. 158). [viii]

At first glance, the tasks may seem daunting: to ensure just development of AI systems, with worker participation, transparency and accountability; to protect good jobs, offer retraining where needed, and correct the power imbalances that are exacerbated by technology. And yet, we have been here before. In response to the Industrial Revolution, Pope Leo XIII wrote Rerum Novarum in 1891 and the Church has brought the sacredness of the human person to the questions of work and labor for these last 135 years. We recognize that as we observe the 40th anniversary of Economic Justice for All, the U.S. bishops’ landmark document on the economy, much of the teaching of this document remains relevant for our shared project in the United States. As we confront this latest challenge, we invite all to be partners in this work. The Church, the government, labor unions, civil society groups, corporations, and others all have a “shared responsibility” to protect the human person and the dignity of work (no. 181).

As new technology reshapes our economy and our work, let us be “builders of communion” (no. 16), ensuring that innovation and development is for the benefit of all, not just a few, and that each person can contribute to the Kingdom of God through their work.

Pope Leo XIV addresses the Federation of Asian Bishops meeting in Indonesia

 

Pope

• Pope Leo XIV
• video message
• church
• eucharist
• jesus

Pope to Church in Asia: United in charity build bridges throughout the continent

Pope Leo invites Bishops gathered in Jakarta, Indonesia, for the 12th Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences to be an ever-greater sign of God's presence in their various countries, as they discuss the important issues affecting the life and future of the Catholic Church in Asia.

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By Deborah Castellano Lubov

"As you gather to discuss the important issues affecting the life and future of the Catholic Church in Asia, I assure you of my spiritual closeness, praying that the Holy Spirit will inspire and guide your time together."

Pope Leo XIV expressed this in the video message he sent on Saturday to the Bishops and members gathered in Jakarta, Indonesia, for the 12th Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC), taking place from July 20 to 26. 

Jesus is the source of our communion

In the message, the Pope recalled that the theme chosen for their Assembly comes from Jesus telling Nathanael: “You will see greater things” (Jn 1:50), noting, that "in calling Philip and Nathanael to follow Him and become His disciples, our Lord alludes to Himself as the unique mediator between God and humanity (cf. Jn 1:51)." 

"As His disciples today," Pope Leo went on to underscore, "we know that Jesus is not only the source of our communion with God, but also with one another."  

The Holy Father reminded the Assembly participants that in his Encyclical Magnifica humanitas, on safeguarding the human person in the time of artificial intelligence, he wrote that "Christian solidarity finds its source in the mystery of Christ and emerges from our communion in the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist."

An ever-greater sign of God’s presence in your various countries

"For this reason," Pope Leo urged, "I would like to encourage you to continue to promote a Eucharistic spirituality within your local Churches, that is, a spirituality of ecclesial unity grounded in the charity that flows from the gift of our Lord in the Eucharist."  

"In this way," he exhorted, "it is my hope that the bonds of communion within and between the local Churches will be strengthened and become an ever-greater sign of God’s presence in your various countries, which in turn will help you be bridgebuilders together throughout Asia."

Finally, the Holy Father concluded by commending all gathered, and their deliberations, to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, before invoking upon them the Lord’s gifts of wisdom and fortitude.

"And may the blessing of Almighty God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit come down on you and remain with you forever. Amen."

Pope Leo XIV closes out the Extraordinary Consistory of Cardinals

 

Pope Leo concluded the Extraordinary Consistory   (@Vatican Media)

Pope

• consistory
• Pope Leo XIV
• peace
• artificial intelligence
• cardinals
• family

Pope closes Consistory, 'an experience of communion at service of mission'

Pope Leo XIV delivers his closing address for the Extraordinary Synod of Cardinals, focusing on hope, synodality, and the Church’s responsibility in a world marked by war and a crisis in human relationships.

By Sebastián Sansón Ferrari

Before offering a concluding reflection of the Extraordinary Consistory held from 26 to 27 June 2026 at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV expressed his closeness, together with the entire College of Cardinals, to the people of Venezuela, “severely struck by the violent earthquake of these days.”

“We assure our prayers for the victims, for their families, and for all those suffering the consequences of this tragedy. We also entrust to the Lord all those involved in rescue operations, and we ask that the solidarity of the international community toward that beloved nation may not falter.,” the Pope added.

From the New Synod Hall on Saturday the 27th, Pope Leo delivered a wide-ranging address in which he began by emphasizing: “We now come to the end of these days with a deep sense of gratitude. I thank you for the freedom, fraternity, and ecclesial spirit with which you took part in our work. I carry with me not only the content of your reflections, but also the experience that made them possible.”

“We have sought together the will of the Lord, convinced that Christ continues to act in his Church: it is He who goes before us, gathers us, speaks through our brothers, and leads us in mission. Everything comes from Him and everything returns to Him,” he continued. For this reason, he said that “seeing Cardinals from such diverse Churches, cultures, and situations listening to one another and seeking together what best serves the Gospel has been for me a source of consolation and hope.”

At the heart of his reflection, the Pope insisted that synodality must not be understood as an organizational method or a sequence of meetings, but as a way of being Church.

The real question of synodality is not who has the power to decide, but 'how do we together safeguard the gift that the Lord has entrusted to his Church?'” he stated.

According to the Pope, this journey is born of encounter, grows through mutual listening, and matures through discernment guided by the Holy Spirit. He therefore asked the cardinals to promote the implementation of the synodal process in their particular Churches, fostering an authentic understanding of it.

The wounds of the world

Pope Leo also noted that during the Consistory the cardinals shared their concern for the wars, poverty, injustices, and violence affecting many peoples around the world. However, he said that behind these tragedies lies an even deeper crisis: "loneliness, the crisis of relationships, the loss of hope, and the difficulty of recognizing one another as brothers and sisters."

The Pope particularly highlighted the situation of young people, whose search for meaning and authenticity—and, in some cases, suffering that even leads to taking one’s own life—represents "one of the deepest wounds of our time."

A moment during the closing of the Consistory (@Vatican Media)

He also underlined the importance of the family as a school of relationships, solidarity, and hope. In this context, he announced a meeting in October with the leaders of the Eastern Churches and the presidents of episcopal conferences to evaluate the reception of Amoris Laetitia, in which families will also take part.

A culture of dialogue against the logic of war

One passage of the address was dedicated to peace. In it, Pope Leo stated that the cardinals clearly grasped one of the insights of the encyclical Magnifica humanitas: War does not arise only from conflicts between states, but from a “culture of power” that permeates human relationships, economics, politics, technology, and even religion.

In response, he proposed rebuilding a culture of cooperation and dialogue, strengthening multilateralism, and promoting the participation of lay people in public life inspired by the Church’s social doctrine.

The Pope also defended non-violent response as a profoundly evangelical option, clarifying that it does not mean passivity, but rather confronting conflicts without reproducing the logic of hatred.

In this context, he revealed that several working groups had requested deeper theological and pastoral reflection on legitimate defense in light of the changes affecting contemporary conflicts.

A Church that witnesses before it organizes

Pope Leo insisted that the renewal of the Church does not depend only on structural reforms, but above all on the witness of communities capable of living the Gospel credibly.

“The Church is called to become ever more fully what it proclaims,” he said, emphasizing that all institutional reform will bear fruit only if it arises from encounter with Christ and sacramental life.

The Pope also reiterated his intention to continue this annual gathering starting next year. He clarified that the date has not yet been set, but he hopes to announce it by the end of this year.

A final appeal for peace

At the conclusion of his address, Pope Leo fully adopted as his own the unanimous appeal that emerged from the Consistory and invited the cardinals to pass it on to all the churches and peoples of the world.

“God continues to open paths of reconciliation and peace in history. We have the responsibility to walk them with courage and to help the world recognize them,” he said.

He also thanked everyone for their contribution, “as well as the Relators, the Moderators, and all those who, with generosity and discretion, made these days of work and fraternity possible.”

“Thank you for helping me, once again, to recognize the work that Christ continues to accomplish among his people and in the world. We entrust the fruits of this Consistory to the intercession of the Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church. May she teach us to preserve unity in diversity and to serve the Gospel of peace with humility, courage, and hope. Thank you!”

Pope Leo XIV continues Francis' legacy on speaking out about climate crisis

 

Pope

• environment
• Austria
• Magnifica humanitas
• society
• economy

Pope: The environmental crisis is a facet of the socio-economic crisis

In a video message for the Tenth Austrian World Summit, Pope Leo XIV highlights faith, hope and love as themes that can help reflect on the climate crisis, which goes beyond simple environmental matters, but touches on social, ethical and economic issues.

By Isabella H. de Carvalho

In order to effectively respond to the climate crisis, we must address social and ethical issues at the foundation of our society, such as the equal dignity of all human beings and the value of human rights, Pope Leo XIV said in a video message released on Tuesday, June 16.

“The environmental crisis ‘is not an isolated issue, but rather the ecological aspect of the contemporary socio-economic crisis’,” Pope Leo said, quoting his recently published encyclical, Magnifica humanitas, on safeguarding the human person in the time of artificial intelligence.

The Pope underlined how faith, hope and love are three themes that can help guide reflections on how we respond to the environmental crisis.   

The Pope’s video message was addressed to the Tenth Austrian World Summit, an annual conference held in Vienna which aims to offer a platform for solutions and ideas to contrast the climate crisis.

It is taking place on June 16 and is organized by the Schwarznegger Climate Initiative, launched by actor and former Governor of California, Arnold Schwarznegger.

Climate crisis a manifestation of the socio-economic crisis

Pope Leo XIV recalled how in Magnifica humanitas he highlighted the importance of “the equal dignity of all human beings and the value of fundamental human rights, both of which can be adequately ensured through the proper implementation of the principles of the common good, the universal destination of goods, subsidiarity, solidarity and social justice.”

“These essential personal and social matters are intimately connected to the climate crisis, which, as I said, is one manifestation – and a critical one – of the wider socio-economic crisis,” the Pope noted.

“Indeed, unless they are addressed, no technical solutions for protecting the environment will have a chance of achieving their desired end.”

In this regard, he insisted on the need to pay particular attention to the poorest and those most vulnerable to environmental degradation when developing and reflecting on solutions.

Faith helps protect life and nature

Pope Leo XIV pointed out how this multifaceted approach that acknowledges the interconnectedness of various issues affecting our societies is rooted in a faith perspective.  

“Those who believe that our world was created by God and is inherently good are compelled to assume an even greater responsibility to care for creation, since this is the requirement of their faith,” he explained.

“Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue,” he continued, citing Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical, Laudato Si’.

Pope Leo also noted how many different religions understand creation as a divine gift and insist on the sacredness of life, thus “religious faith reinforces the overall desire to protect life and care for nature.”

Hope is a powerful driving force

With regards to hope, Pope Leo recognized that due to challenges and tensions facing the world today, there is “a growing awareness that peace is threatened by a lack of respect for creation, the plundering of natural resources and a progressive decline in the quality of life due to climate change.”

He also noted how in negotiations on climate issues, there is often the “fear of changing course, fear of losing power and fear of uncertain outcomes.”

In this respect, he urged international cooperation, “cohesive and forward-looking multilateralism,” and encouraged overcoming these fears.

The Pope emphasized that religious leaders and communities can play an important role in this, as “the Bible is full of examples of how people’s fears can be overcome by hope.”

“Despite the naysayers or cynics, hope can be a powerful driving force,” the Pope reiterated.

“It is not merely desirable but also genuinely possible that the progress at COP30 can be followed up with a just transition toward societies where the common good takes precedence over profit, and economic models are rooted in solidarity and human dignity.”

However, he noted that this requires wealthier countries to support poorer countries financially, and also to help these states by creating “a new person-centered international financial framework.”

Building a civilization of love

Lastly, Pope Leo XIV focused on the theme of love and the importance of “cultivating a genuine culture of care for our environment, which includes what Pope Francis called ‘civic and political love’.”

“In order to make society more human, more worthy of the human person, love in social life – political, economic and cultural – must be given renewed value, becoming the constant and highest norm for all activity,” which will then help devise larger strategies to counter the climate crisis, Pope Leo said, citing Laudato Si again.

Pope Leo XIV concluded by expressing his hope that the participants in the conference may promote a culture of care and contribute to building a civilization of love.

Cardinal Cupich discusses Pope Leo's 1st encyclical

 

Cardinal Blase Cupich  (2025 Getty Images)

Pope

• interview
• Magnifica humanitas
• Blase Joseph Cupich
• United States
• Pope Leo XIV
• encyclical

Cardinal Cupich: Pope's encyclical 'a new lens' for Church's Social Doctrine

In an interview with Vatican News, the Archbishop of Chicago, Cardinal Blase Cupich, says Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical 'Magnifica humanitas' recognizes that "new technology has the potential to overtake our capacity to control it, and the Pope is giving us a wake-up call to seize this moment with urgency."

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

“This document provides us with a new lens to read the entire Social Doctrine of the Church.”

In an interview with Vatican News, Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, reflected on Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, Magnifica humanitas, on safeguarding the human person in the age of artificial intelligence.

The Cardinal discussed the Pope’s warning against technological self-sufficiency, the social implications of artificial intelligence, and the relevance of Catholic social teaching in the digital age.

 

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25/05/2026

Pope Leo’s ‘Magnifica humanitas’: AI must serve humanity not concentrate power

Cardinal Cupich, what do you see as the significance of Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, Magnifica humanitas?

The document’s principal contribution comes in the Holy Father’s challenge to humanity to make a choice: either to build the new Jerusalem or another Tower of Babel.

The first image is anchored in the story of the prophet Nehemiah, who brings families together after the exile. As the Pope writes, Nehemiah “assigned each of them a section of the wall to rebuild, listened to their concerns, coordinated their efforts and addressed any opposition.” This city comes to birth not through the initiative of one powerful individual, but through “the shared responsibility of all: men, women, priests, artisans, heads of households and young people all play a part. It is an undertaking with God at the center, which rebuilds relationships before rebuilding with stones.”

This is a harmony that arises when people assume their proper role and recognize that their strength comes from the Lord.

The Tower of Babel, on the other hand, represents a city aspiring to reach heaven without God’s blessing. Built on pride and claims of self-sufficiency, communication breaks down, and people no longer understand one another.

Chicago is globally recognized as a center of business, technology, innovation, and industry. What reaction are you seeing to this text, which also engages the tech world and calls for safeguarding humanity in the age of artificial intelligence?

The first news reports in Chicago focused on the reactions of university students, and we need to listen carefully to them because this new technology will have profound consequences for their future.

From those interviewed, students were very laudatory of the Holy Father and expressed a keen interest in reading the document.

Which of Pope Leo’s concerns in the text resonates most with you? What would you most like people in your Archdiocese to take away from it?

This document provides us with a new lens through which to read the entire Social Doctrine of the Church. The Pope makes this clear in the first chapter, where he offers a brilliant review of the initiatives of the Popes since Leo XIII. Pope Leo XIV is clear that this is Church doctrine and not simply a body of teaching that Catholics may choose to accept or ignore.

Thinking of Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum novarum, which Pope Leo XIV frequently references, do you believe the digital revolution can be compared, in terms of its scale and impact, to the Industrial Revolution?

There are similarities, but there are also important differences.

This new technology has the potential to overtake our capacity to control it, and the Pope is giving us a wake-up call to seize this moment with urgency.