Rome: In a landmark step toward environmental sustainability and green innovation, the Holy See and the Italian Republic have officially signed an agreement to construct an agrivoltaic power plant in Santa Maria di Galeria, a Vatican-owned territory located just outside the Eternal City. The project aims to meet the Vatican City State’s energy needs through clean, renewable sources while respecting both nature and heritage.
The agreement was formally signed on Thursday, July 31, at the Italian Embassy to the Holy See. Representing the Vatican was Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, while Ambassador Francesco Di Nitto signed on behalf of the Italian government.
Comprising five detailed articles, the agreement will take effect once both nations complete their internal ratification processes and exchange diplomatic notifications.
This collaboration is being hailed as a powerful example of how faith and policy can align for the greater good of the planet. The initiative is not just a bilateral accord—it’s a global statement. It reflects both the Vatican and Italy’s dedication to key international climate goals, particularly those outlined in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.
It also echoes Pope Francis’s prophetic vision for “integral ecology” as presented in his 2015 encyclical Laudato si’, where he urged world leaders to protect the Earth as our shared home.
The upcoming agrivoltaic installation represents a cutting-edge solution to sustainable energy. It combines solar panel technology with traditional farming, allowing the land to serve dual purposes: generating electricity and supporting agriculture. In Santa Maria di Galeria, the system will be tailored to preserve the region’s natural beauty while ensuring minimal environmental disruption.
According to the Vatican, special care has been taken to protect the site’s cultural landmarks, archaeological features, and hydrogeological integrity ensuring that progress doesn’t come at the cost of heritage or biodiversity.
Once operational, the agrivoltaic plant will serve as a major supplier of renewable electricity to Vatican City State, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and setting an example for faith-based institutions worldwide.
Beyond its technical benefits, the project stands as a living testament to the deepening friendship between the Holy See and Italy, built not only on shared history but also on a shared vision for the future one that is clean, just, and sustainable.