In an unprecedented and inspiring event, three students from Notre Dame’s Sydney campus had the extraordinary opportunity to meet and engage with His Holiness Pope Francis via a Zoom call. This special occasion was part of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America’s “Building Bridges” initiative, which fosters dialogue between young people and the Vatican.
The participating students, Liam, Jemima, and Marissa, represented Notre Dame among a select group of university students across Oceania. The event provided a platform for these young voices to share their concerns and aspirations directly with the Pope.
Liam expressed his enthusiasm and gratitude for the opportunity, “When I was first approached with the chance to be part of the Building Bridges initiative, I was thrilled. It’s rare to get such an opportunity for a Zoom meeting with the Pope!”
The session included a series of preparatory meetings where students discussed the topics they wished to present. Key issues raised during the meeting with Pope Francis included the denigration of the family in society, the importance of community support, and the pervasive issue of loneliness among young people. Liam highlighted a quote from Pope Benedict XVI that resonated deeply with the group: “Men in a totally planned world will find themselves unspeakably lonely. If they have completely lost sight of God, they will feel the whole horror of their poverty.”
Liam recounted the Pope’s compassionate and attentive responses during the session, noting that Pope Francis addressed even the most challenging topics with gentleness and charity. “It was good to hear what issues were on the hearts of other students in Oceania,” Liam added. “While some students brought forth issues that are against the Church’s teachings on morals, the Pope answered with Charity, speaking the truth with love.”
The students also had the chance to engage in breakout sessions where they could interact more closely with the Pope. Reflecting on this unique experience, Liam said, “Having the successor of Peter wave at you is a pretty cool experience! It ignited my passion for the Catholic Faith and made me grateful to experience such an event.”
This meeting with Pope Francis provided a memorable and inspiring experience for the students and underscored the importance of fostering dialogue and understanding within the global Catholic community. As Liam eloquently said, “One of the most significant takeaways from the Building Bridges initiative is that though we got to take our concerns to Rome, charity starts at home.”