Especean

Wellbeing - Middle School

Chosen to Lead, Called to Serve

On 8 May 2025, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the 267th pope of the Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. Born in Chicago and a former missionary in Peru, Pope Leo XIV is known for his commitment to social justice, humility, and dedication to serving the marginalised. Importantly, Pope Leo XIV's election is also critical for young people. His messages resonate with themes of kindness, responsibility, and global citizenship—values that are especially relevant to middle school students. Here are a few examples:

  • Pope Leo XIV's background as a missionary in Peru highlights the importance of helping those in need. Our strongly engrained SOL service program, which our boys are active contributors in, advocates for the poor and voiceless, emphasising that true success lies in serving others with compassion.

     

  • In his inaugural homily, Pope Leo XIV expressed concern over society prioritising technology, money, power, and pleasure over Christian faith. Our boys are continually challenged around sustainability, and we work with them to shine, discern and challenge decisions amid global climate issues.

     

  • Pope Leo XIV's selection of the name "Leo" pays tribute to Pope Leo XIII, known for advocating workers' rights. This choice reflects our College’s commitment to inclusivity, as our theme for this year “Friends love you like a sister or brother - they are born to give support during adversity” and for the dignity of every person.

     

  • Pope Leo XIV's messages encourage young people to believe in their ability to make a difference. Through our Ideal Graduate Framework, we remind students that they are the life, hope, and future of the world, urging them to contribute positively to society as they leave our College gates upon graduation. 

Finally, our Shining the St Patrick’s Way framework that we launched this year also helps model of compassion, justice, and responsibility, in all that we do both inside and outside of the classroom. Quite simply, Pope Leo XIV’s example reflects strongly on our middle school young men, through encouragement of active, thoughtful, and caring members of their communities and, more broadly, the world.

 

Alexandros Sinadinos

Director of Middle School