The Holy See's Ethical Vision for Critical Minerals and the Global Energy Transition

The Holy See’s perspective on critical minerals and the energy transition is rooted in a profound ethical commitment to stewardship of the Earth, sustainable development, global solidarity, and urgent climate action. Although the Vatican does not engage in producing or trading these minerals, it plays a unique role as a moral authority, shaping global dialogue on the transition to cleaner energy systems.

Under the new leadership of Pope Leo XIV, elected in 2025 following the death of Pope Francis, the Vatican continues to champion environmental and social justice as integral to the energy transition. Building upon the legacy of Laudato Si’ (2015) and the apostolic exhortation Laudate Deum (2023), the Holy See maintains that addressing climate change is a moral imperative, and that critical minerals, essential for low-carbon technologies such as wind turbines, solar panels, and electric vehicles, must be governed with fairness and foresight.

Unlike nation-states or corporations, the Holy See operates without economic or territorial interests, enabling it to speak with clarity on issues of justice, equity, and the common good. It argues that the extraction and deployment of critical minerals must be conducted to respect workers' rights, protect ecosystems, and uplift local and Indigenous communities. Pope Leo XIV—known for his engagement with Indigenous populations and support for the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative—has reaffirmed the Vatican’s call for mining practices grounded in human dignity and ecological balance.

While largely symbolic in size, Vatican City has taken visible action to align with its values. It was the world’s first carbon-neutral state in 2007 and has since installed thousands of solar panels, including a solar energy farm in Santa Maria di Galeria to meet its own energy needs. These measures demonstrate internal consistency between its teachings and operational practices.

The Holy See’s position aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It urges a just energy transition that accelerates the shift away from fossil fuels while ensuring equitable access to the critical technologies and materials that enable clean energy. The Vatican also emphasises the need for international cooperation to prevent a new form of resource colonialism and ensure that poorer nations are not excluded from the benefits of the green transition.

In parallel, the Vatican continues to raise concerns about the ethical dimensions of emerging technologies reliant on critical minerals. These include issues around surveillance, digital inequality, and the commodification of personal data, reminding the world that technological progress must serve humanity, not undermine it.

Through its diplomatic channels, the Holy See advocates for global frameworks that guarantee the ethical sourcing, fair distribution, and socially responsible application of critical minerals. As the global community navigates the complex challenges of the energy transition, the Vatican remains a singular voice urging solidarity, sustainability, and the preservation of our common home.