Encountering Pope Francis: Nelson Minnich

Several Catholic University faculty members have personally encountered Pope Francis. Below is one in a series of stories on their encounters.

As a member of the Pontifical Committee of Historical Sciences, Nelson Minnich, professor of Church history and editor of the Catholic Historical Review, has stayed several times at the Domus Sanctae Marthae, where the organization holds meetings, and Pope Francis resides. “I have seen Pope Francis regularly at meals in the cafeteria there, where he serves himself at the morning and evening buffets,” Minnich says. On April 12, 2014, Minnich attended a papal audience for members of the committee. He said to the Holy Father in Italian, “May the Lord help you to continue the good work!” The Pope responded, “Let us pray!”

Minnich dedicated the centennial issue of the Catholic Historical Review to Pope Francis and sent him a personal copy with an attached letter. Pope Francis (through his secretary) responded to Minnich, saying “His Holiness assures you and your associates of a special remembrance in his prayers. It is his hope that the fine tradition of scholarship reflected in the pages of the Centennial Issue will continue to inspire your service to the Church’s growth in understanding of her rich spiritual history.”

Are you a CUA student, faculty, or staff member who has encountered Pope Francis? Would you like to share a photo and story with us? Contact us at email hidden; JavaScript is required.