This week, we join the global Catholic community in celebrating the historic election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American Pope, who brings with him a renewed spirit of hope, mission and inclusivity. Pope Leo’s early words and actions have already echoed deeply with our own college’s values and the Catholic Education theme for 2025: 'Pilgrims of Hope'. His emphasis on outreach, dialogue and pastoral mission inspires us to continue building bridges between faiths and cultures, and to model a Church that welcomes all.

This vision was powerfully embodied in the recent Year 11 and Year 12 Religious Education excursions to Sydney, which provided our senior students with rich opportunities to engage firsthand with the lived experience of world religions. Over two days, students visited St Mary’s Cathedral, where they reflected on the beauty and tradition of Catholic liturgy, as well as the Church’s enduring role in contemporary Australia. At The Great Synagogue, students learned about the enduring significance of Judaism and were warmly welcomed by members of the Jewish community who shared their insights into ritual, history and faith.

At the Auburn Gallipoli Mosque, students were struck by the hospitality of the Muslim community, and the sense of peace and reverence found within the sacred space. The visit to the Islamic Sciences and Research Academy (ISRA) provided further insight into Islamic theology and the shared values of compassion, justice and respect that unites the Abrahamic faiths.

These experiences allowed our students to broaden their spiritual and intellectual horizons, developing a deeper understanding of the beliefs, practices and contributions of other world religions. More importantly, they provided a space for students to reflect on what it means to live out authentic Catholic values in a pluralistic world, values that Pope Leo is already championing.

We are proud of the way our students approached this experience: with open hearts, thoughtful questions and a genuine desire to grow in understanding. As we move forward under the guidance of Pope Leo’s papacy, we remain committed to cultivating a community rooted in hope, inclusivity, and courageous mission; values that have always been at the heart of Carroll College.

Mrs Anna Smart
Religious Education Coordinator