"My study of theology was deeply shaped by the writings of Pope Francis. As an undergraduate, his vision of the Church and the human person became the heart of my thesis. In 2018, during a year in Rome, I had the incredible privilege of meeting him in person. I simply said, “Thank you for your service to the Church.” Pope Francis has been a true servant leader whose example continues to inspire my journey of faith."
-Rámond Mitchell, M.A. '26
"12 years ago I was a teenager at St. Vincent De Paul in Phoenix with my family when the local news station approached us and asked if I’d share any reflections on the election of the first pope from Latin America. I remarked, without much basis honestly, that I thought this pope’s background would permit him to “do great for/through the Church.” What I didn’t know at the time was how much Pope Francis would impact not just the Church, but would shape who I would become in my young adult years. A little over a year later, I received my acceptance to Georgetown, a Catholic, Jesuit university; it was there that I learned about the rich Ignatian tradition our community shared with Francis. During my undergraduate years, I had two opportunities to see Pope Francis: once on a pilgrimage to Philadelphia, where we were hosted by Saint Joseph’s University. We students were absolutely delighted to have a front row seat as Francis passed us by multiple times on City Avenue, smiling and waving at us. The second time was also as a pilgrim, this time journeying to World Youth Day in Kraków, Poland. It was at Mass with Pope Francis when I first took to heart the call he gave to us young people to build bridges, not walls—a mantra I repeat often in my life and ministry. These first encounters with Pope Francis during my young adult years set me on a path of vocational discernment that led directly to where I am today, writing this as I approach my graduation from the CSTM. It’s hard to imagine that at 17 I had any idea of what was in store, but I think back often to that interview and am in awe of how the Spirit was at work in my life. I have deep gratitude to Francis for modeling authentic Christian discipleship during his pontificate, for showing mercy and love to those on the margins, and for inspiring in me hope and a commitment to serve others."
-Alexis Larios, M.T.S. '25
"I remember when Francis was first elected - the first Jesuit pope - and chose the name Francis. My initial assumption was perhaps his special devotion to St. Francis Xavier. Within minutes, and with the help of social media outlets, I was engaged by his embrace of the vision of Francis of Assisi. Over the course of past twelve years, Pope Francis repeatedly reminded me of the Gospel values and the exigencies of missionary discipleship inherent in my own Franciscan vocation. Inspired by the example of Pope Francis, I pray that my own witness in today's church and world will be a living out of the mystery and grace of 'pace e bene.'"
-Margaret Eletta Guider, O.S.F., Associate Professor of Missiology
"I personally met Pope Francis at the Vatican in August 2015 while studying in Rome. It was at a meeting with the Claretians in Rome after which we met him individually. He put aside the script written for him and addressed us from his heart. It was a natural and fraternal encounter and he drew upon his encounters with us during his time as Bishop and Archbishop in Argentina. His simplicity of life is charming, an example to us all."
-Jude Anyanwu, S.T.D. '26
"My decision to pursue my Ph.D. in Theology and Education at BC was directly influenced by Pope Francis's first year of pontificate and magisterium. The immediate spark came with Evangelii Gaudium, namely the analysis he offered about the current economic system (chapter 2), and the general call to missionary discipleship. I then applied in 2014-15. Laudato si' and Fratelli tutti confirmed that good decision later on. Also, I should mention my active participation since 2019 as a senior member in the 'Economy of Francesco' process (including the EoF Academy). We have a Catholic moral responsibility of continuing THE road he started (not on the road, but the actual road - continuing to build it with true spirit of synodality)."
-Klaus Raupp, Ph.D. Candidate '25
"My journey at the CSTM has been influenced much by Pope Francis. In 2019, when I was pursuing my MA in theological studies, I took a class on the theology of the People, the teaching of Pope Francis with Prof Rafael Luciani. Through taking that class, I was introduced to the concept of Synodality, and I was able to understand its development and importance for the future of the Church. As my time of study at the CSTM is coming to a close, I now feel that I have a much fuller understanding of Synodality. It is my hope that God graces me with the ability to share that knowledge in helping the church to implement synodality at the Parish level. In doing so, I would be able to pay tribute to Pope Francis by helping to actualize his vision of a fully synodal church. Thank you, Papa Francis! 'Well done good and faithful servant' (Matthew 25:23)."
-Nancy Goggin, Th.M. '25