The Pope Wants Vatican Startups to Fix Climate Change

Nine startups received $100,000 each from tech investors
Cardinal Peter Turkson mentoring range of entrepenuers

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - MARCH 29: A general view of St. Peter's Square during the Palm Sunday Mass held by Pope Francis on March 29, 2015 in Vatican City, Vatican. On Palm Sunday Christians celebrate Jesus' arrival into Jerusalem, where he was put to death. It marks the official beginning of Holy Week during which Christians observe the death of Christ before celebrations begin on Easter. (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images)
Photographer: Franco Origlia/Getty Images

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By Chiara Albanese and John Follain

December 19, 2017 at 12:05 AM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

It’s quite a cocktail: throw in some profit-seeking techies, mix in the age-old Roman Catholic Church and add a twist of anti-globalism. What you get is a startup hub.

A year ago, venture capitalists Stephen Forte of Fresco Capital Fund and Eric Harr of Imagine Ventures -- both based in California -- asked the Vatican to back a technology competition among startups addressing climate change, energy and managing resources.