Rome greeted us today with steamy 85-degree temperatures, but the heat did little to diminish the energy and excitement of our conversations. The day was filled with remarkable speakers, thoughtful discussions, and opportunities to deepen our understanding of the Church and its mission in the modern world.

One of our most engaging conversations was with Archbishop Carlo Maria Polvani who emphasized that Catholic institutions should always place the human person at the center of every discussion and decision. They should be places where every mind is nurtured, challenged, and given the opportunity to grow.

During our conversation, he agreed with the familiar phrase, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste." He spoke passionately about the role of artificial intelligence, not as a replacement for human thought, but as a tool that can elevate our thinking. Rather than simply collecting facts, he encouraged us to use AI to ask deeper questions about what we have learned and discovered. His perspective offered a thoughtful reminder that technology is most valuable when it serves human flourishing.

While I enjoyed all of today's speakers, my favorite discussion was with Msgr. Anthony Onyemuche Ekpo, who provided fascinating insights into the work of the Roman Curia. With a wonderful sense of humor, he jokingly described himself as the "deputy deputy vice Pope," immediately putting everyone at ease.

Msgr. Ekpo explained that very little reaches the Pope without first passing through the Curia's administration. He described the unique role of the Pope as both prophet and diplomat.

Beyond the humor, Msgr. Ekpo made clear that the Curia exists to serve both the Pope and the Church. It was created because the work of the Church required many hands and many talents. We learned about the Curia's structure, its many dicasteries, and the responsibilities entrusted to those who serve within them.

One theme that resonated deeply with me was his reminder that the mission of the Church is to preach the Gospel. He noted that every Christian shares this responsibility, and sometimes the most powerful preaching happens without words. Our actions, our attitudes, and the way we treat others should proclaim the Gospel every day.

Those words stayed with me throughout the afternoon. They challenged me to be more intentional about ensuring that my own life reflects the message I profess to believe. It is easy to speak about faith; it is far more challenging—and far more important—to live it.

Msgr. Ekpo also offered a valuable lesson on leadership through the concept of synodality. He described it simply: "Tell me what you see, and I will tell you what I see, and together maybe we both can see more." That vision of collaboration, listening, and shared wisdom struck me as a powerful model not only for the Church but for leadership in any setting.

Later, we met with reporters who have traveled extensively with and covered the Pope. They spoke about the differences between Pope Leo and Pope Francis, while noting that many of the priorities central to Pope Francis remain important today. Two themes stood out: the belief that in Christ we are all one, and the conviction that peace must remain our aim. Peace, they noted, is the antidote to polarization and division.

The day included many more speakers and conversations than I can adequately capture in a single post. Each offered a unique perspective on faith, leadership, service, and the challenges facing the Church in our world today.

As I reflect on the day's discussions, I find myself returning to a common thread woven through each conversation: the importance of seeing the dignity of every person, listening carefully to one another, and using our gifts in service of something greater than ourselves.

There is much more to share, but that will have to wait for tomorrow.