Pope Leo XIV says "as Christians we cannot resign ourselves to accepting a throwaway culture; rather, we are called to make wise use of creation."

Pope Leo XIV held a meeting with a delegation of an Italian multiutility company that works also in the Vatican, on October 1, 2026.The Hera Group is an Italian multiutility company that focuses on waste disposal and the distribution of gas, water and energy. Sustainability, a circular economy and protecting the environment are major parts of their mission.
Since December 2025, they also manage the environmental services in the Vatican, after signing an agreement with the Governorate.
ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS POPE LEO XIV
TO THE DELEGATION OF THE "HERA GROUP"

Clementine Hall on Thursday, October 1, 2026
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In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Peace be with you.
Good morning everyone and welcome!

I am pleased to welcome you, as a delegation from the Hera Group, for a moment of greeting. This gives us the opportunity to reemphasize the importance of our responsibility to protect creation. From the first pages of the Bible, safeguarding our world appears among the commandments that God wanted to address to humanity. It is, therefore, an original task, which today also finds expression in your work.

I am grateful for the work you do in seeking to contribute to the care of our common home, and I encourage you to continue in this commitment. The ecological challenge of our time is more urgent than ever: on the one hand, we are witnessing an uncontrolled consumption of resources; on the other, the management and disposal of enormous quantities of waste is becoming increasingly problematic. To avoid considering every used object as if it were mere waste, we must change our behavior, committing ourselves to a different path. This means, essentially, overcoming the consumerist model and moving toward a production system capable of preserving our planet's limited resources. Mindful of God's commandment, as Christians we cannot resign ourselves to accepting a throwaway culture; rather, we are called to make wise use of creation.

Your work in the field of recycling demonstrates that it is possible to commit to this direction. Indeed, the work you do, even in the Vatican, demonstrates that the culture of waste can be successfully countered with a culture of care. This culture is not limited simply to objects and products, but extends from them to human labor, and from labor to people. Indeed, we are the ones who inhabit the world and, with our decisions and behaviors, experience it as a gift from God.

As Pope Francis has taught , the model of recycling and circular production represents a good way to guarantee a sustainable environment for future generations (cf. Encyclical Letter Laudato Si' , 21-22). It is important to set an example of consistency: the Church should be the first to put into practice what she herself proclaims. Through our synergy, we will be able to make everyone's home increasingly beautiful and welcoming.

Thank you for your visit. I bless you and wish you all the best in your work and your families. Thank you.