Rome Program Offers Students a Front-Row Seat to Vatican History

When Jennifer Moore, J.D., chair of the criminal justice program at DeSales University (DSU), re-launched the Rome Summer Program in 2022, she hoped to give students the opportunity to experience the rich culture and academic depth of studying abroad. 

What she never imagined was that the 2025 program would place students at the epicenter of not one, but two historic milestones: the election of the first American pope, Pope Leo XIV, and a Jubilee Year, marked by pilgrimages, celebration, and spiritual renewal. In just six weeks, students witnessed a convergence of faith, tradition, and transformation in a way no textbook could ever capture.

Moore’s six-week program emerged from her own transformative experience teaching in Rome in 2018. Designed to accommodate students who couldn’t travel during the academic year—particularly healthcare majors and student athletes—the program offers two immersive courses: Crime and Punishment in Ancient Rome and Roman Art and Architecture, with 95 percent of instruction conducted in the field rather than traditional classrooms.

The 2025 cohort of 23 undergraduate students arrived in Rome to witness extraordinary events. As pilgrims from across the globe descended upon the Eternal City for the Jubilee—a significant Catholic celebration occurring every 25 years—students found themselves immersed in a living tapestry of faith and culture.

“Students were impressed by the diverse groups of pilgrims from around the world,” Moore recalled. “They saw pilgrims from Asia, Africa, and other regions, which enriched their cultural experience beyond what we could have planned.”

Just days before the students arrived in Rome, history was made with the election of the first American pope. By the time they set foot in the Eternal City, the atmosphere was still electric. What began as a study of Roman history quickly became a real-time encounter with history unfolding.

The program’s connection to DeSales University's Salesian heritage came alive through Rev. James Greenfield, OSFS ’84, Ed.D., University president, and Rev. Kevin Nadolski, OSFS, Ph.D., chief of staff and vice president for mission, who joined the students in Rome. The Generalate of the Oblates of Saint Francis de Sales serves as both a spiritual home base and a place of refuge for DeSales students while in Rome. It offers a sense of comfort and connection, grounding students in their faith while also providing a trusted space in case of emergency. 

Several students took the opportunity to attend mass at the Vatican, witnessing papal services firsthand, and enjoyed a reception with the priests that bridged academic study and personal faith formation.

Rather than staying in hotels, students lived in Roman apartments, managing daily tasks like grocery shopping and navigating mass transit. These challenges became crucial learning opportunities.

Student Kyle Hart, a collegiate baseball player initially nervous about the journey, found the experience transformative. “It was my first time in Europe and a total culture shock,” he reflected. “However, by the first day, we quickly found our way around and opened our eyes to a part of the world many of us have never seen before.”

Hart’s adventures included becoming stranded in Florence when trains were delayed and walking over three miles uphill after missing a connection in Naples. “The greatest lesson I learned is that you need to FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE!” he emphasized. “Without taking risks and pushing yourself it’s hard to gain any traction in life.”

“Living in Rome requires flexibility and adaptability,” Moore explained. “Students learn to navigate challenges when buses don't arrive on time or venues are unexpectedly closed. They develop problem-solving skills that make them more self-reliant and confident.”

Another student, Carly Perez, shared, “I learned the importance of truly living in the moment and taking in the city every chance I got. One of my favorite memories that reflects this was taking nightly walks with my friends from Trastevere toward the Pantheon. These walks helped us become more comfortable navigating the city—we eventually stopped using GPS and just let ourselves explore. Along the way, we discovered so many hidden gems and new places. It ended up being one of the best ways to experience the city.” 

The program extended beyond Rome with weekend trips to the Amalfi Coast, where students explored Pompeii and climbed Mount Vesuvius. Three-day weekends allowed independent European travel to countries like Switzerland and France.

“I am so grateful to have taken myself on a weekend expedition to Switzerland, traveling from Rome to Zurich, Interlaken, and an alpine village called Engelberg. I had the opportunity to go paragliding over the Swiss alps and attend Mass at a 13th Century Swiss monastery,” shared University of DeSales student, Janae Topor.

For those interested in studying abroad, learn more about DSU’s Study Abroad & International Opportunities.