Pope Leo XIV meets executives at the Vatican to discuss ethical mining
ROME, Italy — Pope Leo XIV met key executives in the mining and energy sector in the Vatican over the weekend to discuss ethical approaches to the resource sector, in the context of a synodal meeting aimed at fostering dialogue between the Church and industry at a time of growing global demand for critical minerals.
The meeting — which was attended by McCloskey, by OPIS, a Dow Jones company — was organized by the Environmental Markets Fairness Foundation (EMFF) as part of the Building Bridges Initiative, a process launched in 2022 and coordinated by the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. The initiative seeks to create spaces of listening and shared reflection between the Church, business leaders, academia and organized communities, without downplaying the complexity of the challenges involved.
During the meeting, the Pope showed particular interest in the human dimension of extractive activities, calling on the industry to ensure full respect for human rights and the protection of the environment. He emphasized that economic development and the energy transition cannot move forward at the expense of vulnerable communities or fragile ecosystems.
The business leaders present at the Vatican expressed their agreement with the Pontiff’s message and stressed that one of the most serious challenges facing the sector is illegal mining. They noted that illicit operations fuel environmental destruction, social conflict and human rights violations, while also undermining responsible mining practices and legitimate economic development.
Environmental Markets Fairness Foundation (EMFF) Executive Director, Patricio Lombardi, stated: “From the Foundation, we believed it was necessary to build this bridge—to bring business leaders together with the Pope and the leadership of a Church that listens to the voices of communities—so that they could listen to one another and to the Pope. It was an open, two-way, conciliatory dialogue with a strong commitment to continue working on these issues.”
He added: “Without minerals, we would not have many of the essential tools of modern life—for example, a surgical scalpel to save lives. Critical minerals and the care of biodiversity are fundamental. I had the opportunity to speak with the business leaders about their concrete actions to protect biodiversity.”
Among the participants were prominent business leaders, including Hugo Eurnekian, José Luis Manzano, Alejandro Bulgheroni and Bettina Bulgheroni, president of the Inter-American Council of Commerce and Production (CICYP). They were joined by global executives such as Mike Henry, CEO of BHP; Gustavo Pimenta, CEO of Vale; and Robert Friedland, executive chairman of Ivanhoe, representing some of the world’s leading mining companies.
Discussions focused on building bridges of inclusion with universities, reconciliation with trade unions, business associations and organized communities, and fraternity with regional episcopal conferences. Participants also explored ways to balance economic development with socio-climatic justice and the care of the “common home,” in line with the Church’s social doctrine.
With an estimated 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, the Church maintains a strong presence in remote territories often affected by extractive projects. This meeting is understood as an early signal of how Pope Leo XIV—the first U.S.-born leader of the Catholic Church—intends to engage with the mining and energy sectors through dialogue, ethical responsibility and a commitment to a just transition.
During the meeting, participants analyzed current threats and opportunities for the extractive industries in the region and discussed future actions aimed at promoting economic development compatible with human dignity, environmental protection and a dignified life for all.
Reporting by Lola Sampedro, lgonzalez@opisnet.com