Vatican, Italy Sign Deal for Carbon-Neutral Solar Farm

The Vatican and Italy have signed a landmark agreement to transform a 430-hectare field at Santa Maria di Galeria, north of Rome, into a solar farm that aims to power Vatican City entirely with renewable energy, making it the world's first carbon-neutral state. The project, rooted in Pope Francis's environmental vision and continued by Pope Leo XIV, integrates solar energy production with agricultural use while minimizing environmental and cultural impact. The site, historically used for Vatican Radio transmission towers, has faced controversy over electromagnetic emissions and health concerns, leading to reduced broadcasts. The Vatican will be exempt from Italian import taxes on solar panels but will not receive local solar incentives, while Italy can count the energy output toward EU clean energy targets. Excess electricity generated will support local communities, and the project cost is estimated at under 100 million euros, pending approval by the Italian parliament. This initiative reflects the Catholic Church's commitment to ecological responsibility and sustainable energy transition as a moral imperative.