Un nuovo protagonismo per lo Stato della Città del Vaticano: le azioni della Chiesa cattolica a favore dell’ecologia integrale

The magisterium of Pope Francis has led to a re-emphasis on the care of creation as a central tenet of Catholic teaching. At the international level, the role of the Holy See, particularly within the United Nations, has enabled the Church to participate in the most significant environmental protection initiatives, from the Stockholm Conference (1972) to COP28 (2022). First, an ethical reading has been offered that has not failed to bring global government actions back to the level of protection of fundamental human rights. Secondly, the commitment to operationalise the principles identified by international law for the achievement of sustainable development has been actively contributed to. This operationality also manifests in the Vatican City State, which represents a territorial expression of the sovereignty of the Holy See and serves as the setting for various initiatives aimed at achieving levels of efficiency and sustainability that respect the environment and the climate. Its adherence, through the Holy See, to the most recent agreements on combating the climate emergency has bestowed upon the relatively small State, which was originally established as an instrument for the exercise of sovereignty, a new leading role, signifying a renewed dynamism in Vatican diplomatic activity.