In a remarkable affirmation of faith-inspired civic engagement, a delegation from Citizens UK including students and staff from Wimbledon College, as well as various other Catholic school community organisers from across the country, were welcomed at the Vatican by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV during the General Audience on Wednesday, 25 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 dream to establish a dialogue with the Holy Father.
Student organisers at the launch asked Cardinal Nichols to hand-deliver a letter to Pope Francis. The Cardinal agreed and personally delivered the request to the Vatican in summer 2024. An invite from the Pope arrived in early 2025.
Following the death of Pope Francis and the election of Pope Leo XIV earlier this year, the delegation were pleased to hear their invitation was still valid. A letter was sent explaining Citizens UK work in Catholic schools, which was delivered by diplomatic channels via the Apostolic Nunciature.
To the delegation’s great joy, their presence was acknowledged during the General Audience, where Pope Leo XIV offered “special greetings to the members of Citizens UK Catholic movement.” The organisers were later able to present the Pope with a copy of “Called to Action” and other symbolic gifts from the schools. His Holiness graciously signed photographs and items, which will now be displayed in the schools as a reminder of the visit.
Pope Leo was also presented with a copy of “Not Only with Words”, a report which tells the story of parishes in Citizens UK who have also been community organising to live out the Church’s teaching on social justice and Synodality, The report, produced by the Centre for Theology and Community, includes a foreword by Cardinal Nichols encouraging more Catholic parishes to engage in this work.
Thomas, a student from Wimbledon College said: “Pope Leo had a kind smile for everyone. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d take part in anything like this. It’s really strengthened my faith and desire to share that loving kindness with others.”
Adrian Laing, Headteacher of Wimbledon College shared his experience: “It was a fantastic opportunity to attend the Papal audience, raising the profile of Citizens UK and the positive work that the schools have undertaken improving the lives of others.
It was a real privilege and faith affirming moment to be in the Vatican and to meet the Pope in person in this Jubilee Year of Hope. He showed a genuine interest in our pupils, who were proud ambassadors of the College, as he spoke with them. The items he signed will have a special place at the College.
In addition, being able to visit many of the sites closely connected to St Ignatius of Loyola, including praying in his chapel, made the visit an even more memorable occasion.”
James Potter, Chaplain of Wimbledon College, summed up his feelings on the trip : “It was an incredible experience. I am hugely passionate about the work that is going on day in day out in Citizens UK alliances across the country. It has been a privilege to be part of this group of inspiring young people and adults. I hope these partnerships between Catholic schools and Citizens UK continue to strengthen and grow, because I think there is so much potential for us to contribute to the betterment of our local communities.”
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 all round, as true pilgrims in the Jubilee Year. The days were termed a “Summit of Hope” as organisers met and shared stories and ideas.
The delegation included young organisers and staff from Wimbledon College (Merton), St Antony’s Primary School, St Bonaventure’s (both East London), St Thomas More Catholic High School (North Tyneside), Cardinal Newman College (Brighton), and Greyfriars Catholic School (Oxford).
This moment signals a renewed energy and commitment to embedding the principles of Catholic Social Teaching and community organising and leadership in Catholic schools across England and Wales with the support of Citizens UK. Planning is already underway to expand the Called to Action programme, with a growing network of schools and dioceses expressing interest and a follow up conference in 2026.
If your school or parish might be interested in engaging with the work of Citizens UK then please contact Seb Chapleau on Seb.Chapleau@citizensuk.org to find out more
