Leading Catholic Universities – Rome 2025

A Week to Imagine the Future of Catholic Higher Education

From 14 to 19 September 2025, rectors, vice-rectors, deans and senior administrators from Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America gathered in Rome for a new edition of the Leading Catholic Universities (LCU) Training Program.

Organized by the International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU), this high-level initiative combined strategic reflection, spiritual depth and global networking to strengthen Catholic university leadership in the 21st century.

Sunday 14 September – Welcome and Shared Vision

The week opened in the warm setting of the Pontifical Irish College.

Welcome addresses by Fr. Paul Finnerty, Rector of the College, and Loïc Roche of IFCU set the tone, followed by personal introductions and a presentation of the program’s objectives and pedagogy by David Lock and Prof. John Davies.

Participants formed their first SWOT working groups to lay the groundwork for action plans.

A convivial dinner at Naumachia Ristorante closed this opening day in an atmosphere of international fraternity.

Monday 15 September – Affirming Catholic Identity

The first full day placed Catholic identity at the heart of university leadership.

Fr. Mark Lewis, S.J., Rector of the Pontifical Gregorian University, delivered a keynote on embedding Catholic values in institutional practice.
Contributions from Prof. Chris Brink, Prof. John Davies, David Lock and Dr. Corinne Mellul explored the evolving mission of universities, strategic planning, global higher education trends and the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence.

The day ended with the first SWOT sessions, translating insights into concrete strategies.

Tuesday 16 September – Social Responsibility and Quality Culture

Tuesday focused on social responsibility and quality assurance.

Prof. Chris Brink examined Catholic universities’ social impact, while David Lock showed how to put values into daily governance.

Prof. John Davies and Dr. R. Cinquegrani of AVEPRO discussed how to foster a robust quality culture and manage diverse university cultures.
SWOT groups continued to refine their analyses and proposals.

Wednesday 17 September – Spiritual Depth and Global Strategy

A papal audience in St Peter’s Square marked a profound spiritual highlight of the week.

The Dicastery for Culture and Education presented Emerging Agendas for Higher Education in the Church.

In the afternoon, Prof. John Davies and David Lock explored sustainable research strategies and international partnerships, followed by the third SWOT group session and a festive dinner back at the Pontifical Irish College.

Thursday 18 September – Leading Change and Serving the Common Good

Thursday brought strategic leadership and Church engagement to the forefront.

Prof. John Davies addressed leading institutional change and building inter-institutional alliances, while Prof. Chris Brink reflected on social responsiveness in a changing world.

A rich dialogue with Fr. Avelino Chico, S.J., and Dr. Tebaldo Vinciguerra from the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development highlighted the vital link between education and service to the common good.

In the late afternoon, participants were warmly welcomed at the Pontifical University Antonianum by its Rector, Fr. Agustín Hernández Vidales, OFM.

After a guided tour of the university and the Basilica of Saint Anthony, Fr. Juan Antonio Cabrera Montero, OSA, Vice-President of CRUIPRO (Conference of Rectors of Roman Pontifical Universities and Institutions), presented this unique network.

A fraternal dinner with CRUIPRO members sealed a memorable day of academic and human exchange.

Friday 19 September – Governance, Resources and Talent

The final day focused on governance and sustainability.

David Lock explored Catholic identity in governance, before he and Prof. John Davies led sessions on fundraising, income generation and entrepreneurial approaches.

Prof. Davies concluded with talent management, outlining ways to attract and develop leaders faithful to Catholic values.

During the fifth SWOT session, participants presented action plans and future collaboration proposals.

The program ended with closing reflections and an invitation from Loïc Roche and the academic team to continue strengthening the IFCU network.

The LCU Rome 2025 program was more than a training course.

It deepened Catholic identity, sharpened strategic thinking and wove an enduring global network of leaders ready to address the challenges of 21st-century higher education.

By blending faith, innovation and responsibility, it confirmed IFCU’s mission to shape the future of Catholic universities worldwide.