TLDR: I felt humbled to be in such a distinguished group. My beautiful wife reassured me that the real question was not “Why am I among these people?” but rather “What does God want from me now that he has called me to be here?” She was right, but the answer to the question is yet to be revealed.

The only thing the group meeting at Hotel IL Cantico St. Peter had in common was our belief that Jesus of Nazareth is the Savior of the World. A megachurch pastor and his wife with a multi-thousand membership in Phoenix and three satellite churches in Mesa, Scottsdale, and Tucson. A young man from Oxford, England, who is a software developer and was the principal worship leader for Joel Olsten Ministries for seven years. The General Director of Campus Crusade and Caritas International in Poland and his wife. An internationally acclaimed movie director from Albania and his wife who are currently making a film about the movement. Three Megachurch pastors from California, Oregon, and Canada and their spouses. An executive with Angel Studios (Sound of Freedom, The Chosen, His Only Son…) and his screen writer wife. A young executive for an international relief organization who has spent the last six months in the front lines of the war in Ukrane. The founder of John 17, an internationally renowned evangelical pastor, and his wife. Two Catholic Bishops. The Pope’s assistant and best friend for over forty years (She is a remarkable 82-year old from Argentina.) An acclaimed religious music composer, pastor, and now chaplain of a nursing home in Spring, Texas. The chief Theologian for the Roman Catholic Synod and author of “From the Trinity,” an acclaimed theology book translated to multiple languages. Two Venture Capitalists, one of whom was a financial backer of one of the largest events at Youth World Day in Portugal this year, and the other is funding a movie on John 17 due to air in 2025. A young couple from California who are deeply involved in Diocesan ministry in the Catholic Church. An international business consultant in the religious institutions arena. A devoted member of the Village at Glennloch Farms community. An Italian protestant pastor who is a close friend of the Pope and has had the honor of hosting him at his home for supper several times. The Italian Pastor’s son who is an investor building trains in South Italy and who will be our official translator with the Pope. And a lowly Episcopal pastor serving in Houston, TX, and his lovely wife.

We arrive in Rome on the evening of November 5 and meet for supper as a group at the Papa Rex restaurant near Vatican City. The food is indescribably good and the wine is smooth and delicious. I had not been to Rome in over 30 years, but I remembered well the Pasta Carbonara I had when I was a student in the city in 1989. This restaurant’s version was by far the best Carbonara I have had in my life. My wife loved the pasta in Pomodoro-based sauce she ordered. That first meal was very much a John-17 style dinner. No agenda, other than the building of relationships. After asking two people, “And what do you do for a living?” I gave up and started asking simpler questions, like “Are you enjoying your Chianti?” My beautiful wife had more in common with some of these highly accomplished people than I did, but she reassured me that the real question was not “Why am I among these people?” but rather “What does God want from me now that he has called me to be here?” She is right, but the answer is yet to be revealed.

We began our conference on Monday, the sixth, with official introductions and an in-depth introduction to John 17 by Joe Tosini, one of the founders and the true spirit of the movement. To know Joe is to love Joe. Brilliant, loud, gregarious, full of energy, and more Italian than thin crust pizza. Joe speaks with his entire body, moving hands to the left and to the right to illustrate his points. He uses humor in a disarmingly brilliant way and shows a humility that underplays his remarkable accomplishments. Megachurch pastor, author, international speaker, friend of business moguls and world leaders, and as of late, a trusted, personal friend of Pope Francis. Yet, Joe is down to earth, deeply spiritual, and generous with his recognition and praise of cofounders and friends who have supported his ministry over the years. One of the participants told Pope Francis, “One of the things I appreciate about you is your humility. God seems to be raising humble servants around the world at this particular time in history. People like you and Justin Welby.” I agree with this statement, but I would also add Joe Tosini to this list. When you are around Joe, you are the most important person in the room and you are listened to as though what you have to say is of utmost importance to him. 

After Joe, world-renowned theologian Piero Coda, one of the Pope’s theologians and bestselling author spoke about the importance of Church unity in a historical context. He then answered a number of questions regarding the current state of the Christian Church on diverse matters such as a common table (the issue of Holy Communion separates Catholics from Protestants,) Gay marriage, the ordination of women in the Catholic Church, etc. The conversation continued after lunch, but at some point, we were introduced to Julia, the Pope’s assistant and close friend who has been with Francis since he was a young priest in Argentina. The 82-year old is friendly, welcoming, and down to earth. “The person you will see tomorrow is not an angel, a saint, or a superhuman entity. He is a person, like you and me. He has been vested with an awesome responsibility, but, at the end of the day, he is just a man, a human being like each of us.” She still calls Francis, “Padre” the Spanish word for “Father.” She explains, “He will always be my father, and that is the relationship we have. We are not just friends; he is my father in the faith and I am his daughter.” She then tells us about a change in protocols at the Vatican. Photographers are no longer allowed in papal meetings and audiences, unless special arrangements are made in advance. These are usually reserved for government dignitaries or at the discretion of the Pope. The reason is the wonton disregard for the image of the Pope. Many pictures have been used for profit, fundraising, political campaigns, and personal uses not approved by the Vatican. “You are here to pray with a friend, to learn from him, to spend a moment of reflection with a fellow Christian. Enjoy the moment. Don’t record him and don’t take pictures. In fact, put your phones away while you are with him.”

The day ends with a wonderful dinner at a local restaurant, more fellowship, some good wine, and an early bedtime around 9:30pm.  Tuesday would be the visit with the Pope and Wednesday would be a day to process the experience and wrap up this year’s meeting. More about the actual meeting with the Pope on next week’s blog.

Until then, may our Lord continue to bless you,

Fr. Roman+