The 10th International Diploma for Catholic Leaders continues in Rome, a formative experience marked by spirituality, social-Christian thought, and intergenerational dialogue. Participants have experienced intense sessions that strengthen their vocation for service and leadership.

A series of lectures was held within the framework of the Diploma, featuring Marisol Pérez Tello, former Minister of Justice of Peru, who offered a profound reflection on leadership in action. In her presentation, she highlighted the role of youth in public life and the call to exercise ecologically conscious leadership, inspired by   Pope Francis’  encyclical Laudato Si’. “The participation of young people is a new breath of fresh air,” she stated.

Professor Fray Carlos Esteban Salto Solá addressed Christian hope as the foundation of discernment and mission, emphasizing that “hope has a face: Christ Jesus,” and that it enables us to guide our actions in the contemporary world.

As part of the cultural and spiritual activities, participants presented Marian devotions representative of their countries, strengthening popular devotion and recognizing Mary as a symbol of unity and hope.

Brother Álvaro Rodríguez, former superior of the Lasallian Brothers, also accompanied the process and gave a lecture on the Social Doctrine of the Church in the face of new forms of poverty, highlighting the urgency of  “moving from egocentrism to ecocentrism”  and of  “educating in fraternity.”

In a virtual session, Alejandra Segura, president of the International Network of Catholic Women Leaders, reflected on the role of women in the Church today, proposing a humanist and Marian feminism that promotes reciprocity and shared dignity.  “Equality requires real conditions, not just laws, ” she noted.

For his part, Cristian Nazer, former rector of the Universidad Finis Terrae, delved into the apostolic exhortation Dilexit Te of Pope Leo XIV, recalling that  “the poor evangelize us”  and that the face of Christ is revealed in them.

As part of the training itinerary, a pilgrimage was made to the city of Rome, which included a visit to the Pontifical Antonianum University, the sponsoring institution of the Diploma. The participants were welcomed by a delegation made up of Brother Agustín Hernández, rector, and Brother Javier Del Ángel de Los Santos, biblical theologian, who shared a moment of dialogue and reflection, strengthening the academic bond.

One of the most significant moments was the private audience with the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who held a moving meeting with the Diploma students. During the audience, the participants shared the reality of their countries, generating a profound and hopeful dialogue about the challenges their communities face.

In his message, Cardinal Parolin stated:  “Because today’s world needs leaders passionate about Christ and humanity.” He also described the foundation of this leadership as  “prayerful, committed people who are capable of reaching out to others, especially those most in need.”

The activities in Rome concluded with a Eucharist in St. Peter’s Basilica, presided over by Cardinal Diego Padrón, in a gesture of communion and sending.

The 10th International Diploma continues its development, and the closing day will be today, October 27, with the final graduation ceremony.