Pope Establishes "Fratello Sole" Foundation for Vatican Agrivoltaic Project
Pope Leo XIV has officially established the “Fratello Sole” (Brother Sun) Foundation to oversee the construction of a major agrivoltaic plant in Santa Maria di Galeria. The initiative aims to accelerate the Vatican's transition toward a sustainable development model, ultimately securing complete energy self-sufficiency for Vatican City State.
Key Objectives & Scope
Energy Independence: The new agrivoltaic installation will generate enough clean electricity to power both the Radio Vatican transmission center and the entire Vatican City State.
Dual-Use Land Design: The project harmonizes renewable energy production with agriculture, reflecting the ecological principles of environmental sustainability and care for "our common home."
Location: The foundation holds its legal seat in Vatican City State, but its full operational activities will take place within the extraterritorial area of Santa Maria di Galeria.
Project Timeline & Context
The foundation builds upon a vision originally set in motion by the late Pope Francis.
June 2024: Pope Francis issues the Apostolic Letter Motu Proprio, Fratello Sole, proposing the green transition.
July 2025: A formal renewable energy agreement is signed between the Holy See and Italian authorities.
May 27, 2026: The Italy-Vatican energy agreement officially enters into force.
June 1, 2026: Pope Leo XIV signs the Chirograph officially establishing the Foundation and approving its governing statutes.
Leadership Appointment
To guide the foundation through its critical launch phase, Pope Leo XIV has appointed its inaugural leadership for a three-year term:
| Position | Appointee | Current Vatican Role |
| President | Sister Raffaella Petrini | President of the Governorate of Vatican City State |
| Vice President | Bishop Giordano Piccinotti | President of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See (APSA) |
Source: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-06/chirograph-fratello-sole-foundation-agrivoltaic-vatican-radio.html
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