Father Marina Reflects on Meeting Pope Leo XIV (Video + Photos)

Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University of Scranton president, took part in a portion of this year's Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities Presidents' Pilgrimage to Rome, where he and his peers met Pope Leo XIV.

Father Marina met with the Pope on Thursday, June 25, at Consistory Hall, where Pope Leo acknowledged the challenges facing humanity and higher education.

"Often times young people are left without hope in a world that seems to lack the promise of a better future, and the natural environment continues to be degraded by those who would use the planet's resources for their own interests instead of for the common good," Pope Leo said. "Our world is also increasingly aware of the growing impact of artificial intelligence and the wider-ranging effects it can have on humanity."

Pope Leo encouraged the AJCU delegation to address these challenges, using a framework provided by the Society of Jesus' four Universal Apostolic Preferences as their guide. The full text of Pope Leo's address is available online.

"Students normally begin their academic careers full of idealism and energy, often seeking to serve the needs of others," Pope Leo said. "The studies that take place on your campuses, the friendships that naturally blossom there and the opportunity for all in your academic communities to encounter the thought and research of great scholars, both past and present, can bring a sense of hope and the promise of what could change for the better."

Father Marina, who entered the Society of Jesus in 2004 and was ordained to the priesthood in 2012, described the experience as "inspiring."

"It's hard to describe what it feels like and how inspiring it is when you're there not only representing yourself, but a much broader reality, namely the mission of Jesuit higher education and The University of Scranton," Father Marina said. "I was very proud to represent this fine institution that we all know and love so well.

"And I want to bring that experience back here to Scranton. It should not be just a memory and an experience that I had but something that we can all share together."

Father Marina's cohort also met with Very Rev. Arturo Sosa, S.J., superior general of the Society of Jesus.

A photograph of the presidents' meeting with Father Sosa appeared in a news article on the AJCU's website. A gallery of online images is posted on the Vatican Media website.

Born in Chicago, Pope Leo was elected last year as the United States of America's first leader of the Roman Catholic Church. His predecessor, Pope Francis, who served from 2013 until his death in 2025, was the first Jesuit pontiff.

Father Marina has served since 2021 as The University of Scranton's 29th president. He previously served as an administrator at institutions of higher learning including Le Moyne College, where he was provost and vice president for academic affairs and professor of education. He is a graduate of St. John's University, Boston College and Fordham University.

Founded in 1888, The University of Scranton offers 70 majors, more than 40 graduate programs and has been recognized in recent national rankings by U.S. News and World Report, The Wall Street Journal, Princeton Review and Forbes. The most recent First Destination Survey by the Roche Family Center for Career Development revealed success rates of 99% and 100% for Scranton's undergraduate and graduate members of the Class of 2024.

The Society of Jesus is the Catholic Church's largest religious order of priests and brothers. The AJCU is comprised of 28 Jesuit colleges and universities spanning 17 states, the District of Columbia and Belize.