Although they did not greet him personally, Monsignor Kevin Irwin and David Dawson Vasquez were two of the first CUA employees to be in the same room with Pope Francis after his election. They were fortunate enough to attend the Holy Father’s first public audience on March 16, 2013. Monsignor Irwin blogged about his experiences in Rome during the papal transition.

(Above photo courtesy of Monsignor Irwin)

Brian Engelland, interim dean of the School of Business and Economics

Brian Engelland and his wife, Barbara, spent the spring 2014 semester in Rome along with a group of CUA students participating in the study abroad program at CUA’s Rome Center. This location allows one to get “up close and personal” with all the activities in and around the Vatican. During one week, the couple received blessings three times from the Holy Father at different public appearances. At the end of the semester, on May 10, 2014, Engelland attended the annual conference of the Fondazione Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice. At the end of the conference, his family greeted the Pope, and Engelland’s grandchildren had a memorable moment with the Holy Father. (Above photo courtesy of Engelland)

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