Why does the Vatican have a solar system?

The Vatican’s solar shift is a culmination of a political and spiritual mission years in the making. In 2024, the late Pope Francis issued an apostolic letter ordering the construction of an agrivoltaic solar plant to supply the Vatican with energy from Santa Maria di Galeria. On the same site, the new solar infrastructure now stands.

Is Vatican City powered by solar?

This is not just about rooftop panels; it’s about how science, sustainability, and faith can coexist and set the pace for the rest of the world to follow. Vatican City is powered by solar. On May 29, 2025, the Vatican City officially transitioned to solar power, marking a significant shift in the European energy landscape.

Does the Vatican need a solar plant?

The implementation of a solar plant not only improves the Vatican’s environmental sustainability, but also offers economic and social benefits. By generating its own energy, the Vatican can save on light. This is especially relevant in a context where the price of light is a constant worry for many.

What is the Vatican doing to reduce waste?

The project will also include agricultural activity, creating an “agrivoltaic” site that combines solar energy production with farming. In terms of waste, the Vatican is working to increase its recycling rate from 65% to 75%, surpassing the EU average of around 49% (Eurostat, 2022).

Does the Vatican have a low-energy lighting system?

The Vatican has introduced low-energy lighting systems; over 100,000 LED lights have replaced older fixtures, cutting energy consumption by up to 90% while protecting delicate frescoes from heat exposure. Villa Barberini, Pontificial Gardens at Castel Gandolfo: Photo by Sonse - Villa Barberini Pontifical Gardens, Castel Gandolfo, CC BY 2.0,

Is Vatican City a leader in sustainability?

Although history runs deep and change tends to move slowly, Vatican City is keeping pace with the times in one unexpected way: ecology. The smallest country in the world, home to the Catholic Church’s central governing body, is quietly emerging as a leader in sustainability.