Students travel to Rome for General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops

University of Dayton students will travel to Rome to interact with delegates of the General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, a key meeting shaping the future of the Roman Catholic Church.

Mason Hennessy, a theology and communication student with press access for the Oct. 12-19 trip, said he looks forward to learning from the discussions.

 “I will have special access to the press gallery and general assemblies to absorb information and possibly interview delegates to get their perspective on this new and more synodal church,” he said.

The 11 UD students and three faculty are among a cohort of 150 people from across the U.S. making the pilgrimage. Students will meet Roman Catholic Church leaders, attend Pope Francis’ general audience, join communal prayers and participate in discussions and guided tours. They will also be part of a live question-and-answer session with Synod leaders Oct. 18. Campus Ministry will host a watch party on campus for the session.

“Through their participation in every stage of this global process young people have told us that they are not the Church’s future but rather ‘the now of the Church,’” said UD campus minister Kelly Adamson. “This pilgrimage is just one way to move from listening to young adults to acting with them.”