Vatican

Pope Leo XIV receives Groupe Hera delegation

Catholic IntelligenceOct 1, 2026Updated Oct 2, 8:21 PM PT1 min read

Pope Leo XIV met with a delegation from Groupe Hera at the Apostolic Palace on Thursday, October 1, 2026, to discuss protecting the environment. The Italian group has managed environmental services and waste collection for the Holy See since December 2025.

During the meeting in the Clementine Hall, the pope urged a shift from consumerism toward a culture of care and a circular economy to protect the planet's resources. He stated that Christians must not accept a culture of waste and should instead use creation wisely. The pope also emphasized that the Church must lead by example by practicing what it teaches.

Groupe Hera manages waste treatment and recovery using low-impact vehicles, including an electric truck that has operated in St. Peter's Square since April 2026. The pope noted that the ecological challenge is urgent due to uncontrolled resource consumption and the increasing difficulty of managing large amounts of waste.

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