Pope Francis shared his green vision for the Vatican in his 'Brother Sun' letter in June, announcing plans to install solar panels on a Vatican-owned property outside Rome to meet all of Vatican City's energy needs.
A new solar panel roof has been inaugurated at the Vatican Museums, part of the Pope's initiative to transition the city-state to 100% renewable energy. Italian energy supplier ACEA completed the installation in six months at the Courtyard of the Corazze entrance. ACEA president Barbara Marinali noted the challenge of integrating solar infrastructure in densely built areas.
In his letter, Pope Francis emphasized the need for a sustainable development model to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve climate neutrality. He highlighted solar energy's crucial role in addressing environmental challenges.
The Pope has been vocal about climate issues since 2015, advocating for dialogue on sustainable practices. In July 2022, the Vatican joined the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, committing to global efforts against climate change.
With these initiatives, Vatican City aims to join a select group of countries generating 100% of their electricity from renewable sources. Salvatore Farina from the Vatican City State Administration stated that the Vatican is fulfilling its international commitments and setting an example for others, with clear targets for 2030.