Bridging Faith and Technology: Caldwell University's President Meets Pope Leo in Rome

June 30, 2026 - 22:56

Rome, Italy - Caldwell University president Dr. Jeffrey Senese traveled to Rome this week as part of a delegation of 18 Catholic university presidents invited through the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities. The group met with Pope Leo to discuss the intersection of faith, higher education, and emerging technology.

The private audience focused on how Catholic institutions can lead conversations around artificial intelligence, digital ethics, and the moral responsibilities of innovation. Dr. Senese described the meeting as a rare chance to align Caldwell's mission with the Vatican's vision for a more humane tech future. "We are called to bridge the gap between spiritual tradition and scientific progress," he said in a statement.

During the visit, the presidents also toured Vatican archives and attended workshops on integrating Catholic social teaching into modern curricula. Senese emphasized that Caldwell University plans to launch new interdisciplinary programs that combine theology with computer science and data ethics.

The trip comes as Catholic colleges across the United States grapple with declining enrollment and the need to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world. For Caldwell, the Rome meeting signals a commitment to positioning faith-based education as a vital voice in tech policy debates. Senese noted that the university will share insights from the trip with faculty and students in the coming weeks.