Two from Westmeath among delegation that met Pope Leo XIV at Vatican
Two men from Westmeath were among a party that met Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican last week - Most Rev Bishop Paul Connell of Ardagh and Clonmacnois, and Mullingar teacher, Enda Keating.
Bishop Connell, originally from Mullingar, and a member of the Commission for Catholic Education and Formation of the Irish Bishops' Conference was, with Archbishop William Nolan of Glasgow, Scotland, leader of the group, which was made up of teachers from Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales, along with some students from Denmark.
Image 1 of 2
Pope Leo XIV greets (from left to right) Bishop Paul Connell of Ardagh & Clonmacnois, Archbishop William Nolan of Glasgow and teachers from Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales (photo credit: Vatican Media).Image 2 of 2
Young Westmeath teacher, Enda Keating, meeting Pope Leo.Enda Keating is known not just as a teacher, but also as an enthusiastic participant in drama with the Mullingar Arts Cente. 2025 is the celebratory 'Jubilee Year of Hope' for Catholics around the world, and the purpose of the teachers' pilgrimage is to share experiences and reflect on the value and contribution of their vocation to the school community.
Directly addressing teachers, the Holy Father said: "Children will look up to you as models of faith, particularly in how you teach and live. I hope that, each day, you will nurture your relationship with Christ, who gives us the pattern of all authentic, so that, in turn, you may guide and encourage those entrusted to your care to follow Christ in their own lives."
Following the papal audience Bishop Connell said, "We came to Rome hoping to strengthen our faith and reflect on the work we do as teachers in Catholic schools. Since our arrival, there has been a wonderful bonding among the entire group from across our islands. The education context is different in each of our countries, but we are learning so much from each other.
"Today the Holy Father, Pope Leo, spoke so tellingly about our vocation - to always put our students and school communities first - and to be inspired by the gospel of Jesus Christ.
As Archbishop Nolan stated in his homily after our audience, when we celebrated Mass together at the tomb of Pope Francis: each of us is called to bring the light of Christ to others. When everything seems at times difficult Christ will always find a way to stand with us.”