Letters from Dominican University students made their way into the hands of Pope Leo XIV this month, delivered personally by Director of University Ministry Andrew Mercado during a once-in-a-lifetime visit to the Vatican. Mercado, who focuses on culturally responsive ministry and creating supportive and inclusive spaces for Dominican students to engage in vocational discernment, was among a contingent invited to Rome by the National Catholic Council for Hispanic Ministry. The group of 100 participants from around the United States took part in the Jubilee of Migrants, an event dedicated to celebrating and supporting migrants across the world. The seven-day visit culminated October 7th, with a private audience with Chicago-born Pope Leo. Mercado presented the leader of the Roman Catholic Church with typed testimonials from about 15 students, each sharing their personal experiences and concerns amid current immigration policies. A letter communicating Dominican University’s long history of serving and supporting immigrants and the children of immigrants—and the ongoing work taking place today—accompanied the students’ accounts. Mercado described the Holy Father as approachable and attentive to each of the pilgrims who met briefly with him. During their audience with Pope Leo, the National Catholic Council for Hispanic Ministry contingent heard the pontiff address them in Spanish as he shared a message about the importance of Latine involvement in the Catholic Church in the United States, the ways the church can accompany migrants, and how the faithful can be a source of hope and healing in the world, Mercado said.

Photo Credit: Dominican University