Sacred Heart Spirituality Center at Carrollton Hosts Ann Taylor, RSCJ Lecture Series on Pope Leo XIV

The evening offered rare, personal insight into the life, leadership, and spirituality of Pope Leo XIV, whose Augustinian roots and American nationality have drawn global attention since his election.

The collaboration reflected a shared commitment to intellectual life, spiritual depth, and thoughtful engagement with the Church and the world, values at the heart of Sacred Heart education and formation.

A distinguished panel brought firsthand perspectives from journalism, theology, and religious life. Colleen Dulle SH'09, Vatican correspondent for America magazine and host of the Inside the Vatican podcast, situated Pope Leo XIV within the broader context of the contemporary Church and global Catholicism, drawing on years of close reporting from Rome.

Sr. Carolyn Osiek, RSCJ SH'58, a noted theologian, shared personal reflections from her years teaching at Catholic Theological Union, where she taught Fr. Robert Prevost, OSA, now Pope Leo XIV, and from her privileged experience serving as his spiritual director. Her remarks illuminated the theological formation and interior life that continue to shape his papacy.

Fr. Arthur Purcano, OSA, Assistant Vice President for Mission and Ministry at Villanova University, reflected on close collaboration with then-Rev. Robert Prevost, OSA, during their service on the General Council of the Order of St. Augustine in Rome (1995–2007). His reflections highlighted Pope Leo XIV’s leadership, missionary heart, and fidelity to the Augustinian charism, shaped by ministry in Rome and Peru.

The conversation was thoughtfully moderated by Sr. Suzanne Cooke, RSCJ SH'72, Provincial of the United States-Canada Province of the Society of the Sacred Heart and former Head of School at Carrollton. With depth and warmth, she wove together personal stories and broader reflections on faith, leadership, and service.

The evening marked a significant moment for the Sacred Heart community and the wider public, an uncommon opportunity to encounter Pope Leo XIV not only as a global leader, but as a priest, religious, teacher, and shepherd shaped by prayer, relationships, and mission.

The Sacred Heart Spirituality Center at Carrollton, directed by Dr. Jennie Weiss Block, together with the Society of the Sacred Heart, extends heartfelt gratitude to the panelists, moderator, and all who gathered for an evening of reflection, dialogue, and hope for the Church.