# The Pope is giving his old school a medal

> Villanova, where Robert Prevost studied math, is about to name the first winner of a sustainability medal bearing his papal name.
- Title: The Pope is giving his old school a medal · Vaticannews
- Summary: Villanova, where Robert Prevost studied math, is about to name the first winner of a sustainability medal bearing his papal name. The first Pope Leo XIV…
- Keywords: vatican, sustainability, villanova, pope leo xiv, laudato si, religion, world, Pope, giving, old, school, medal
- Source: Vaticannews — https://vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-09/villanova-university-popes-alma-mater-unveil-first-sustainabilit.html
- Author: Vatican News
- Published: 2026-09-11T17:31:42.269+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: vatican, sustainability, villanova, pope leo xiv, laudato si, religion, world
## A name on the envelope
Villanova University announces the first recipient of the Pope Leo XIV Sustainability Medal on Monday, September 14, at a Vatican press conference from noon to 1:30 p.m. CEST.
## Who is in the room
Cardinal Michael Czerny, Villanova president Rev. Peter Donohue, and business ethics director Manuela Priesemuth-Payan speak in the Sala San Pio X, moderated by Alessandro Gisotti.
## What the medal honours
It goes to leaders in any field whose work ties together environmental care, social justice, protection of vulnerable communities, and responsible economic stewardship.

> an enduring recognition of individuals from any field or discipline
## Every two years, by design
The medal is awarded at each Villanova International Sustainability Conference, meant to prod other leaders toward collaboration rather than just crown one winner.
## Why Villanova
Robert Prevost earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics there in 1977, long before he became Pope Leo XIV. The Augustinian university gave him an honorary doctorate in 2014.
## The Pope hands it over
About 300 academics, Church figures and public and private sector leaders gather in Rome October 12 to 15. On October 13 they travel to Borgo Laudato Si' for the presentation.

> Responding to the Cries of the Earth and the Poor
## Key takeaway

The first Pope Leo XIV Sustainability Medal recipient is announced September 14 at the Vatican, with the Pope presenting it himself on October 13 at Castel Gandolfo.