Rev. James M. Lies, C.S.C., meets Pope Francis during a conference at the Vatican | News | Notre Dame News | University of Notre Dame Skip To Content Skip To Navigation Skip To Search University of Notre Dame Notre Dame News Experts ND in the News Subscribe About Us Home Contact Search Menu Home › News › Rev. James M. Lies, C.S.C., meets Pope Francis during a conference at the Vatican Rev. James M. Lies, C.S.C., meets Pope Francis during a conference at the Vatican Published: June 18, 2019 Author: Joanna Byrne Rev. James M. Lies, C.S.C., director for Catholic initiatives and outreach for the University of Notre Dame’s London Global Gateway, and Pope Francis. Rev. James M. Lies, C.S.C., director for Catholic initiatives and outreach for the University of Notre Dame’s London Global Gateway, met Pope Francis on June 8 during a conference hosted by Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice Foundation at the Vatican. The conference, titled “The Catholic Social Teaching from Inception to the Digital Age: How to Live Laudato Si’,” brought together entrepreneurs, third-sector operators and national and international institutions engaged in the application of integral ecology. The keynote address was given by Pope Francis, in which he echoed the theme of the conference and "the call to a conversion of minds and hearts so that the development of an integral ecology can become ever more a priority internationally, nationally and, indeed, individually.” The Holy Father acknowledged an increasing awareness of the need to care for our common home and the need for conversion. He called for a renewed ethical vision, one that places people at the center, desiring to leave no one on the margins of life. “A vision which unites rather than divides, includes rather than excludes,” Pope Francis said. “It is a vision transformed by taking into account the ultimate purpose and goal of our work, efforts, lives and earthly sojourn.” Of the encounter with Pope Francis, Father Lies reflected, “It was one of the more remarkable experiences of my life. I was all the more delighted to have met him while visiting the Vatican for a conference on Laudato Si’, a document of considerable importance to the Church and the world today.” The conference’s papal audience followed a Holy Mass in the Bernini altar of the chair in St. Peter’s Basilica and was celebrated by His Eminence Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson. Pope Francis’ address capped three days of discussion on issues surrounding climate change and sustainable development. The summit also included Masses in Rome’s churches, a concert in the basilica of Santi Cosma e Damiano, and a reception at the Magistral Villa of the Order of Malta. The conference followed a consultation in February, co-organized and hosted by the Notre Dame London Global Gateway and Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice Foundation, which examined the ethics of finance and technology. Serving as a focal point for Notre Dame’s cultural and academic endeavors in England, the London Global Gateway is home to numerous study abroad programs, including the London Law Program. Catholic initiatives are a key part of the outreach and engagement program at the Gateway, enhancing the Catholic mission of Notre Dame around the world in order to advance the University’s objective to be a global source for good. “There’s increasing excitement here about the role that Notre Dame can play in convening and participating in such conversation in the U.K. and throughout Europe,” said Father Lies. Originally published by Joanna Byrne at london.nd.edu on June 18. Posted In: International Faith Home Experts ND in the News Subscribe About Us Related September 14, 2022 Apostolic nuncio to Great Britain to deliver the 2022 Keeley Vatican Lecture July 14, 2022 Law School hosts second annual Notre Dame Religious Liberty Summit in Rome July 13, 2022 Catholic peacebuilders bring hope amid the world’s crises June 01, 2022 University of Notre Dame to establish consortium of Catholic universities to study Muslim-Christian relations January 31, 2022 New book explores the role of Catholic peacebuilders in addressing global mining issues For the Media Contact Office of Public Affairs and Communications Notre Dame News 500 Grace Hall Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Pinterest © 2022 University of Notre Dame Search Mobile App News Events Visit Accessibility Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube LinkedIn