Students to travel with Scholas USA for Pope Francis Memorial
L.A. Catholic High School students to travel to Vatican for Pope Francis Memorial with Scholas USA
Four students from Catholic high schools in Los Angeles will be traveling to the Vatican next week with Scholas USA for an “international encounter” with students from all over the world, including nine students from New York. The week-long experience will include a memorial service for Pope Francis who started the movement more than 10 years ago when he served as the Archbishop of Buenos Aires with the goal of uniting young people from all over the world through education, creativity and the culture of encounter.
Many of the students representing Archdiocesan High Schools in Los Angeles – Bishop Conaty – Our Lady of Loretto High School, Bishop Mora Salesian High School and Sacred Heart High School – that will be attending the international encounter have also participated in Scholas events and initiatives over the past few years including Scholas Citizenship and Pelota de Trapo which have been supported by both Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath and Los Angeles City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez.
“Being a part of Scholas has given me the opportunity to represent my school and collaborate with students from diverse backgrounds to present our concerns and ideas on issues affecting our peers to local officials and leaders,” said Sophia Reyes, junior at Bishop Conaty.
Supervisor Horvath helped launch the Scholas Club and Pelota de Trapo programs in Los Angeles County, and is supporting the LA delegation in traveling to Rome for the international encounter.
“During these challenging times, I’m proud to uplift young people who are leading with heart, integrity, and purpose. The Scholas Rome Experience reflects Pope Francis’s call for a culture of encounter — empowering students to engage in meaningful dialogue, build global solidarity, and grow as change makers rooted in service,” said Supervisor Horvath. “I’m grateful to see his legacy live on through this powerful program, and I find hope in the young leaders who are carrying it forward with compassion and conviction.”
Los Angeles City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez is supporting the LA delegation in attending the “international encounter” and is also traveling with the students from LA.
“As a representative of the Los Angeles City Council, it’s an honor to return to Vatican City and join Scholas in amplifying the voices of young people around the world,” said Councilwoman Rodriguez. “Our shared commitment to education, inclusion, and civic engagement is a powerful reminder that investing in youth leadership development is an investment in a more hopeful future, for our cities and our world.”
During the week-long Scholas experience in Rome, the student will have various gatherings at the Synod Hall where the Cardinals recently convened before entering the conclave, explore various landmarks around the city, and visit the Scholas offices in San Calisto Square.
Scholas aims to bring young people from diverse backgrounds together to empower them to become active and engaged citizens committed to making a positive difference in their communities. During the international encounter, the youth will commit to carrying forward Pope Francis’ dream of a world where every voice matters, and peace is built through understanding.
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