Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

Last month, St. John’s University hosted a summit aimed at training lay Catholics to become leaders working for societal change. The event saw the participation of four international cardinals and more than 125 attendees from 22 predominantly Spanish-speaking countries.

Held from July 19–27 on the Queens, NY campus, the summit was titled “International Diploma of Social Doctrine of the Church.” It was organized by the International Academy of Catholic Leaders with support from SOMOS—We Care, New York’s only provider-led, nonprofit, community-based integrated healthcare network. SOMOS received the Caritas Medal at last year’s Vincentian Convocation.

Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President of St. John’s University, welcomed participants by stating, “Good leaders get better results by leading with love rather than fear,” and expressed gratitude for hosting the gathering.

“This event is part of our multifaceted approach to being the global Catholic and Vincentian University we aspire to be. Advancing the knowledge and impact of Catholic Social Teaching is a gift to the world and to the Church,” emphasized Rev. Aidan R. Rooney, C.M., M.Div., M.Th., Executive Vice President for Mission.

The proceedings were conducted in Spanish and led by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the US; Cardinal Odilo Pedro Scherer, Metropolitan Archbishop of São Paulo; Cardinal Marc Ouellet, Archbishop Emeritus of Quebec; and Cardinal Diego Padrón, Archbishop Emeritus of Cumana and currently serving in Valencia. The cardinals celebrated Mass and led discussions with participants. Also present was Rocco Buttiglione, former Minister of European Affairs for Italy.

Cardinal Scherer highlighted that a Catholic leader is one “who understands the life and lives of people with the criteria given to them by the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the moral teaching of the Church.” He added that their vision is illuminated by Christian faith rather than utilitarianism.

Cardinal Pierre underscored that poverty is central to evangelization: “It is not an optional extra,” he stressed. “Christ lives in the poor and in the least.”

“The preferential option for the poor is not a position of the Church at a given moment,” noted Cardinal Padrón. “It is made by God,” he said while pointing out that there are more poor people today than ever before.

Cardinal Ouellet stated that despite efforts by the Church to support global priorities favoring humanity, these principles are often undermined by new conflicts such as those in Ukraine and the Middle East.