Mount Mary President Joined Catholic University Leaders at Vatican

Mount Mary University President Dr. Isabelle Cherney joined a delegation of leaders from the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) who met with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican in June 2026. The group consisted of presidents and representatives from Catholic colleges and universities across the country to discuss the future of Catholic higher education and its role in preparing students to lead with purpose and faith.

In an address to the visiting delegates, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the unique responsibility of Catholic institutions to educate both minds and hearts, encouraging university leaders to maintain their commitment to academic excellence while preparing students to navigate an increasingly complex world with compassion and moral clarity.

“Yours is the noble task of guiding that desire for knowledge so that they may also learn to seek and love the truth, to reflect on the meaning of life and to recognize the dignity of every person,” said the Holy Father.

Pope Leo XIV also addressed the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. He encouraged educators to help students engage thoughtfully with new technologies while continuing to develop critical thinking, ethical reasoning and the human capacities that are essential to responsible leadership.

Reflecting on the experience, Cherney described the audience as a meaningful affirmation of the mission of Catholic higher education.

“Encountering the Holy Father and witnessing the spirit of the Vatican firsthand was incredibly moving and meaningful,” she said. “It reaffirmed the importance of humility, compassion, commitment, service and hope in all that we do.”

In honor of the audience with the Pope, ACCU member institutions pledged to dedicate thousands of volunteer hours to support underserved and vulnerable populations, continuing a commitment to service.

Cherney’s participation in the Vatican audience reflects the Mount Mary mission of educating students to transform the world through leadership, integrity and service. The experience provided an opportunity to strengthen connections within the global Catholic educational community. It also reaffirmed the university’s dedication to preparing graduates to lead with a focus on Catholic social justice principles.