Villanova University and Laudato Si' Center for Higher Education Join Together for Integral Ecology Effort

ROME, Italy (Oct. 14, 2026) - Official representatives from the Laudato Si' Center for Higher Education and Villanova University met today in Rome to develop joint integral ecology efforts under a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). They established a working group to make the MoU operational immediately. The bilateral meeting took place as part of the International Sustainability Conference, currently underway at the Augustinianum Patristic Institute.

The newly established partnership reflects a shared commitment to transforming ecological principles into concrete educational and research frameworks that serve the "common home," noted Cardinal Fabio Baggio, C.S., who highlighted the commitment of the Laudato Si' Center for Higher Education to promoting academic collaboration among Catholic institutions. Participants of the working group echoed this vision during today's strategy sessions at the Patristic Institute Augustinianum, with Rev. John Abubakar, OSA, PhD, Chief Sustainability Officer at Villanova University, emphasizing that signing the Memorandum with the Laudato Si' Center for Higher Education encourages Villanova to bridge rigorous academic research with direct environmental action, creating vital interdisciplinary pathways for students and faculty alike.

Through this MoU, Villanova partners with the Laudato Si' Center for Higher Education at Borgo Laudato Si' in Castel Gandolfo, a unique living laboratory that combines academic conferences, interdisciplinary debates, and environmental education with practical sustainability initiatives, including organic agriculture, olive oil production, and viticulture. Under the new framework, both institutions will launch joint research groups, academic exchanges, and shared metrics for campus carbon reduction.

In parallel with today's operational meeting, Cardinal Michael Czerny, S.J., delivered a keynote address at the Augustinianum as part of Villanova's International Sustainability Conference. Reflecting on his service to vulnerable populations around the world and his recent reception of the inaugural Pope Leo XIV Sustainability Medal, the Cardinal addressed international scholars and delegates gathered in Rome. "We don't need complicated theories. Sustaining life is the outcome of what everyone does in everyday life, although the actions of some relatively few have more impact. Sustainability cannot be of a minority, it cannot be imposed from above, and no one can - or should - try to escape its demands, its limits," he stated.

His address provided the opening framework for the day's working sessions on Artificial Intelligence ethics, housing equity, and multi-sector sustainability partnerships.

Looking ahead to the summit's final day on Thursday, Oct. 15, international delegates will convene for a major keynote address by Wanjira Mathai, Managing Director, Africa & Global Partnerships at the World Resources Institute (WRI). The closing day will also feature plenary sessions examining best practices in sustainable partnerships, research lightning talks, and a dedicated session showcasing a social justice documentary. The conference will conclude on Thursday evening with a formal closing ceremony and official dinner in the Augustinianum Garden, uniting international delegates to celebrate new collaborative pathways for integral ecology.

Highlighting the long-term momentum generated by the international summit taking place this week in Rome, Fr. John Abubakar, OSA, PhD, Chief Sustainability Officer at Villanova University, emphasized the forward-looking impact of the alliance: "This MoU goes beyond a formal agreement. It represents a shared commitment to turning our principles into concrete action, ensuring that the work begun at this conference continues well beyond our time in Rome. In doing so, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing integral ecology as an essential part of the Church's mission."

With the agreement now in place, the two institutions will move from shared principles to joint projects, connecting research, education, and practical sustainability efforts.

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Sustainability at Villanova University: In 2007, Villanova University President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, signed the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment. In 2018, the Villanova Sustainability Leadership Council was established to develop a 10-year, actionable, and measurable plan to guide the University's comprehensive effort to support the planet and its people and to ensure prosperity for all. By committing the University to the Laudato Si Action Platform and developing a customized Laudato Si' Plan, Villanova University is taking decisive and unflinching action to build a better future. At the core of all sustainability activities, both large and small, is the University's vision to establish an ethos of sustainable living. As an Augustinian Catholic institution, Villanova is committed to generating and advocating sustainable action to help create a future that provides enough for all, forever.

About Villanova University: Since 1842, Villanova University's Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition has been the cornerstone of an academic community in which students learn to think critically, act compassionately, and succeed while serving others. There are more than 10,000 undergraduate, graduate and law students in the University's six colleges-the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Villanova School of Business, the College of Engineering, the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, the College of Professional Studies and the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. Ranked among the nation's top universities, Villanova supports its students' intellectual growth and prepares them to become ethical leaders who create positive change everywhere life takes them. For more, visit www.villanova.edu