Citizens UK community leaders meet with Pope Leo XIV in Vatican City
Citizens UK community leaders meet with Pope Leo XIV in Vatican City
On Wednesday 25th June 2025, a delegation from Citizens UK was welcomed at the Vatican by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV during the General Audience. During the encounter, he signed a picture given to him by school children from St Antony’s Catholic Primary School in East London.
The community leaders in the delegation are from Citizens UK member institutions across the country - St Antony’s Catholic Primary School, St Bonaventure’s (both East London), St Thomas More Catholic High School (North Tyneside), Cardinal Newman College (Brighton), Greyfriars Catholic School (Oxford), and Wimbledon College (Merton), and many of them are young people.
They’ve had their hand in winning local changes for their communities, such as commitments from major businesses to pay the Living Wage; winning thousands of pounds in reduced transport fares; preventing the deportation of vulnerable families at risk, and helping to secure over half a million pounds in mental health support for students in schools.
It was a humbling experience to be recognised by Pope Leo XIV and speak to him about the work Citizens UK does. We also felt incredibly honoured that Citizens UK was mentioned specifically in the Pope’s welcoming speech. The history of Catholic organising is a rich one and we hope to continue that work.
Caroline Verdant, Community Organiser at Citizens UK
This meeting is a powerful endorsement of our work in Catholic schools. To hear our actions affirmed at the highest level of the Church was deeply moving and a testament to what is possible when Catholic Social Teaching is not only taught, but lived. It was a day we will never forget.
Andy Lewis, one of the organisers and deputy headteacher at St Bonaventure’s, East London
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.
Thomas, a student from Wimbledon College
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, a 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.
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.
It was a faith-enriching, once-in-a-lifetime event that I will never forget.
Lily, a student from St Thomas More Catholic High School
It was awe-inspiring and it encourages me to have a stronger relationship with God and with others… we are one community no matter where in the world we are.
Ariana, a student from St Antony’s Primary School
This visit to the Vatican was more than a moment of recognition—it was a reminder of the power of faith in action.
Leaders across Citizens UK are showing what’s possible when we organise for justice and live out our values to build a better, fairer society.