Vatican City: The Holy See and the Italian Republic have taken an important step toward environmental sustainability by signing an agreement linked to the development of a renewable energy plant in the extraterritorial area of Santa Maria di Galeria, near Rome.
The initiative forms part of the Vatican's ongoing commitment to protecting the environment and promoting the responsible use of natural resources. The project is also seen as a concrete response to the Church's call for greater care of creation and a transition toward cleaner sources of energy.
As part of this effort, Pope Leo XIV has established a new body known as the “Brother Sun” Foundation. The foundation has been created to oversee and support activities connected with the renewable energy project and other related initiatives.
In an official Chirograph issued by the Pope, it was stated that the foundation has its legal headquarters within Vatican City State. However, its full operational activities will take place in the extraterritorial area of Santa Maria di Galeria. This area has long been under the jurisdiction of the Holy See despite being located on Italian territory.
The papal document also approved and promulgated the statutes governing the new foundation. These statutes will guide its administration, objectives, and future activities.
The name “Brother Sun” reflects the spiritual vision of Saint Francis of Assisi, whose famous Canticle of the Creatures praises God through elements of nature, including the sun. The choice of the name highlights the Vatican's desire to combine environmental responsibility with its spiritual mission.
For the first three years of the foundation's existence, Pope Leo XIV has appointed Sister Raffaella Petrini as President of the “Brother Sun” Foundation. Sister Petrini currently serves as President of the Governorate of Vatican City State and has played a key role in the administration of the Vatican.
The Pope has also named Bishop Giordano Piccinotti as Vice President of the foundation. Bishop Piccinotti serves as President of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See, commonly known as APSA, which is responsible for managing the Holy See's assets and properties.
The appointments indicate the importance the Vatican places on the new foundation and its environmental goals. By entrusting leadership to senior Vatican officials, the Holy See aims to ensure that the project is managed effectively and in accordance with its mission of ecological responsibility.
The renewable energy initiative is expected to contribute to the Vatican's broader efforts to reduce carbon emissions and increase the use of clean energy sources. In recent years, the Holy See has repeatedly stressed the need for governments, institutions, and individuals to work together in addressing climate change and environmental degradation.
The agreement between the Holy See and Italy marks another chapter in the close cooperation between the two parties. It also demonstrates a shared commitment to promoting sustainable development and protecting the environment for future generations.
Through the establishment of the “Brother Sun” Foundation and the development of the renewable energy plant, the Vatican hopes to offer a practical example of ecological stewardship while advancing its vision of a more sustainable future.