Villanova University announced on June 1 that it will host the 2026 International Sustainability Conference, titled ‘Responding to the Cries of the Earth and the Poor,’ from October 12–16, 2026, in Rome, Italy. The event is organized by Villanova’s Office for Sustainability and will bring together approximately 300 participants including academics, researchers, Church representatives, foundations, and leaders from both public and private sectors.
The conference will be held at the Patristicum in Rome. Organizers say it marks a significant step forward in Villanova’s international leadership in sustainability. The forum aims to foster transdisciplinary collaboration among attendees with goals to advance research and dialogue for more just and sustainable communities, promote innovation grounded in ethics and lived experience, and strengthen a global network committed to addressing urgent challenges.
The conference is grounded in Pope Francis’ writings—Laudato Si’ and Laudate Deum—as well as teachings from Pope Leo XIV’s Dilexi Te on caring for the poor and marginalized. It seeks to address issues arising from ecological degradation combined with social inequality by inviting researchers who explore new perspectives on sustainability across fields such as sciences, philosophy, nursing, law, business, engineering, humanities, and more.
Registration for participants is now open along with a call for academic submissions. Scholars are invited to submit proposals for lightning talks or poster presentations related to sustainability theory or practice. Submissions should highlight contributions toward positive impact; multidisciplinary approaches are encouraged. Abstracts will be evaluated based on rigor, originality, and clarity.
Since 2007, when President Rev. Peter M. Donohue signed the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, Villanova has expanded its sustainability efforts through initiatives like establishing its Sustainability Leadership Council in 2018. The university has also joined the Laudato Si Action Platform while developing a customized Laudato Si’ Plan focused on fostering an ethos of sustainable living.
