A Transformative Pilgrimage: Loyola University New Orleans President Xavier A. Cole Reflects on Faith, Mission and Meeting Pope Leo XIV

As Loyola University New Orleans prepares to welcome students back for another academic year, President Xavier A. Cole is reflecting on a summer experience that continues to shape his vision for the University's Jesuit, Catholic mission.

Earlier this summer, President Cole and his wife, Dr. Susanne DeBerry Cole, joined fellow presidents from the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU) on a pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi. The experience brought together leaders from Jesuit institutions across the United States for prayer, reflection and dialogue centered on the future of Jesuit higher education.

The pilgrimage culminated in a private audience with Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, whose words and witness left a lasting impression on President Cole.

"It was transformational," Cole said. "The Holy Father challenged us to remain grounded in something greater than ourselves. He spoke about following our 'North Star,' living with greater grace and always striving to see God in all things."

Throughout the pilgrimage, participants engaged in conversations with Vatican officials and Jesuit leaders exploring the role of Catholic higher education in a rapidly changing world. Central to those conversations were the Universal Apostolic Preferences, the Society of Jesus' four guiding priorities: showing the way to God through the Spiritual Exercises and discernment, walking with the excluded, accompanying young people in the creation of a hope-filled future, and caring for our common home. Cole said these shared priorities serve as the Jesuit community's "marching orders" and the "North Star" that continues to guide Loyola University's mission.

The group concluded the audience by praying the Lord's Prayer together before receiving the Pope's blessing, a moment Cole says he will carry with him for the rest of his life.

"It wasn't simply an opportunity to meet the Pope," he said. "It was a reminder of why we do this work."

Another highlight of the pilgrimage, Cole said, was meeting Very Rev. Arturo Sosa Abascal, S.J., Superior General of the Society of Jesus, whose leadership of the global Society of Jesus has helped shape Jesuit education around the world.

"To spend time with Father Sosa was incredibly meaningful," Cole said. "His wisdom, humility and vision for Jesuit education reinforced the responsibility we have as leaders of Jesuit institutions."

For President Cole, sharing the experience with his wife, Dr. Susanne DeBerry Cole, made the pilgrimage especially meaningful.

"It was a gift to experience this together," he said. "The opportunity to pray, reflect and represent Loyola alongside Susanne made this journey even more special."

As Loyola University New Orleans continues to advance its strategic priorities and prepare students to become people for and with others, Cole says the pilgrimage reaffirmed the University's mission and its place within the global Jesuit network.

"The experience reminded me that Loyola University New Orleans is part of something much bigger than ourselves," he said. "Our mission has always been to educate people who will change the world through faith, intellect and service. This pilgrimage strengthened my commitment to that calling."