Some 86 Catholic leaders from 16 countries took part in the 11th International Diploma Program of the International Academy of Catholic Leaders, held in person in Rome from October 5 to 9. The initiative, which included a prior virtual phase on Saturdays in September, took place at the General House of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (Lasallians) and in Vatican City. The program, titled «Leadership for Equity,» combined academic formation, spiritual discernment and opportunities for encounter to strengthen collaborative networks among those working in ecclesial, political, economic, educational, social and communications fields.
Program Development and Content
The curriculum addressed issues such as integral human development, the common good, public policies, poverty, migration, conflicts and the challenges that artificial intelligence poses to human dignity. The proposal sought to offer tools for interpreting contemporary transformations in the light of faith and to promote initiatives capable of influencing reality. Juan Pablo Faúndez, president of the Academic Council of the International Academy of Catholic Leaders, explained that «Catholic Social Teaching is precisely a discipline that, in order to be put into practice, necessarily requires spiritual deepening of the topics it addresses.» In his view, formation cannot be limited to theoretical reflection, but must help participants discern how to act in the social environments in which they carry out their mission.
Encounters with Pope Leo XIV and Cardinal Pietro Parolin
One of the highlights was the participation of the diploma students in the general audience of Leo XIV on Wednesday, October 7. The Pope addressed a message to the Catholic leaders in which he exhorted them to renew their faith. The text was read at the start of the in-person activities in Rome on Monday, October 5, by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, former apostolic nuncio in the United States and member of the Academy’s Steering Committee. That same day, in the afternoon, the participants held a meeting with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, who encouraged them to persevere in their mission in a fragmented world marked by conflicts and polarization. The cardinal invited them to continue working without losing sight of the human person, at the center of the Church’s action and of efforts to build a more just society.
Testimonies and Pastoral Dimension
For Faúndez, this concern is especially urgent given today’s technological changes and political tensions. «Let us never forget that the human person must be at the center,» he stressed, referring to the need for artificial intelligence and new technological tools to serve human dignity and not contribute to relegating it. Job losses, automation and the difficulties facing families are some of the challenges that, in his view, require renewed reflection from Catholic Social Teaching. The diversity of origins and experiences was another enriching aspect of the gathering. Among the participants were people linked to politics, economics, education and ecclesial life, as well as married couples for whom the family dimension was also part of the curriculum. The opportunity to share projects and perspectives made it possible to explore new forms of collaboration and to think about joint responses to problems that transcend national borders.
Among those who know the scope of this initiative closely is Monsignor Luis Miguel Romero Fernández, auxiliary bishop of Rockville Centre, New York, United States, and a program alumnus. Taking stock of the experience, the prelate, originally from Spain, stressed the importance of translating the principles of Catholic Social Teaching into concrete initiatives that respond to the real needs of society. «We have a marvel of thought, but we must make that produce initiatives, projects, courses, seminars, multiply it and gradually solve the real problems of our society,» he said. The prelate also valued the encounter among participants from different Latin American countries and the exchange of knowledge and experiences that made it possible to establish ties to promote new projects. His hope is that those who completed the formation will not consider it enough to carry out a few isolated activities, but will help extend the Church’s social commitment. «The idea is to make Catholic Social Teaching a true topic in which we work together with the Church,» he said. To that end, he insisted on the importance of multiplying what has been learned and encouraging more people to apply faith to society’s problems.
Context and Relevance
The itinerary in the Eternal City also included a visit to Assisi on Thursday, October 8, marking the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. The visit offered an opportunity to deepen understanding of the legacy of the saint of fraternity, evangelical poverty and peace, in tune with the challenges addressed during the diploma program. Likewise, in the context of the gathering, it was announced that the 12th Diploma Program in Social Teaching will take place in 2027 in Spain. The week concluded on Friday, October 9, with the graduation ceremony at the Pontifical University Antonianum and the closing holy mass at the Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua on the Esquiline. Beyond obtaining the diploma, the return to their respective countries now opens a new stage: bringing what they have learned to their communities, strengthening existing initiatives and promoting a culture of encounter that places the human person at the center of decisions. From their countries, the graduates are also taking part in the prayer initiatives promoted by the Academy for the health of Pope Leo XIV, in a gesture of communion with the Pontiff, who has been hospitalized at Gemelli Polyclinic since Tuesday, October 13.
Original source: www.vaticannews.va (published on October 15, 2026)
