PITTSBURGH—Carlow University President Kathy Humphrey, PhD, will join Catholic higher education leaders from across North America this June as part of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities’ (ACCU) Rome Seminar, a weeklong gathering focused on the future of Catholic higher education and the Church’s role in shaping ethical, mission-driven leadership.
Held in Rome and Vatican City from June 1–5, the seminar brings together presidents and senior leaders from Catholic colleges and universities for dialogue, reflection, and engagement with Vatican officials, scholars, and Church leaders.
Organized by the ACCU in collaboration with The Lay Centre in Rome, this year’s program includes a private audience with Pope Leo XIV, along with discussions centered on Catholic identity, artificial intelligence, migration, sustainability, synodality, and Catholic social thought. For Dr. Humphrey, the opportunity represents both a professional responsibility and a deeply personal experience grounded in faith and mission.
“We have a unique opportunity to speak to the vital role Catholic higher education continues to play in shaping compassionate leaders, strengthening communities, and advancing the common good in our country,” said Dr. Humphrey. “I am especially passionate about discussing how Catholic Universities can fully live their mission every day, integrating our values and charisms into every aspect of our work while creating communities that honor human dignity, embrace service, and deeply respect the diverse backgrounds and beliefs of others.”
According to Dr. Humphrey, the opportunity to engage directly with Pope Leo XIV during the first year of his papacy makes the experience especially profound.
“To have the opportunity to meet personally with the Holy Father and engage in meaningful conversation about the future and importance of Catholic higher education in the United States, particularly with him being the first American Pope is extraordinary,” she said. “His perspective and leadership at this moment in history carry tremendous significance for Catholic institutions across the country. I am deeply honored to be part of this delegation and this historic experience.”
Dr. Humphrey said the seminar’s focus aligns closely with Carlow’s Mercy mission, and singled out its focus on emerging issues, including artificial intelligence and ethics, as especially meaningful at this moment for Catholic higher education.
“One of the statements Pope Francis often made is that ‘all are welcome,’ and I think about how we ensure that idea is truly realized in our work as a Catholic institution,” she said. “My job is to make sure Carlow always lives up to who we say we are. We are not just helping students get degrees. We are sending out a generation of individuals who are committed to creating a more just and merciful world.”
About Carlow University
Carlow is a private, co-educational, Catholic university located at the hub of Pittsburgh’s most cutting-edge industries. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1929, Carlow’s curricula and partnerships reflect its strong commitment to forward-thinking leadership and impactful service to the community.
At Carlow University, we strive to create an experience that is not only life-changing, but world-changing. Carlow graduates are prepared to be pioneers in workforce development, healthcare, education, business, the arts, and more. They are part of a nearly one-hundred-year tradition of ethical leaders with empathy and spirit to create meaningful societal change. Rooted in unity and led by compassion, we are redefining what a leader looks like—and it looks like a Carlow graduate.
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Carlow University
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412-578-6100
jvcardone@carlow.edu