We are proud to be part of the first UK group to have had the honour of meeting Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on 25th of June 2025.

The visit marks a significant moment in the journey of an initiative around “Called to Action”, a toolkit launched in 2024 to support Catholic schools and colleges in living out the principles of Catholic Social Teaching through community organising. The toolkit, developed by Citizens UK in partnership with Catholic school organisers from member institutions, aims to place the dignity of the human person, solidarity, and the common good at the heart of Catholic education in a practical and lived-out sense.

The journey to this meeting began 18 months ago, when the organisers began planning the initial conference and toolkit launch. The group decided to approach Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, who was attending, with an “ask”. It was a hope and a dream to establish a dialogue with the Holy Father.

Andy Lewis, our deputy headteacher, said: “This meeting is a powerful endorsement of our work in Catholic schools. To hear our actions affirmed at the highest level of the Church was deeply moving and a testament to what is possible when Catholic Social Teaching is not only taught, but lived. It was a day we will never forget.”

The group’s time in Rome also included visits to significant Catholic churches and basilicas, including the tomb of Pope Francis. It made the pilgrimage a spiritually rich and memorable experience, as true pilgrims in the Jubilee Year. The days were termed a “Summit of Hope” as organisers met and shared stories and ideas.