![Amy Novak Meets Pope Leo XIV [titlebase] to Discuss Catholic Education and Values](https://www.floriparesort.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/amy-novak-meets-pope-leo-xiv-titlebase-to-discuss-catholic-education-and-values.webp)
floriparesort.com – 07 August 2026 | Amy Novak, the president and CEO of St. Ambrose University in Davenport and Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, had the rare opportunity to meet with Pope Leo XIV in Rome as part of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) Rome seminar. Novak, who is also the chair of the ACCU, brought with her the history, mission, and future of the two Catholic universities being called into deeper partnership. During the private audience with Pope Leo XIV, Novak reflected on the connection between St. Ambrose of Milan and Saint Augustine, and the Pope acknowledged the significant role that Saint Ambrose played in the formation of Saint Augustine.
The meeting between Novak and Pope Leo XIV Meets Pope Leo XIV [titlebase] took place at a defining moment for St. Ambrose and Mount Mercy, as the two institutions are moving through a historic integration. Novak has led the effort to build a stronger future rooted not simply in shared operations, but in shared mission. The work brings together the Ambrosian and Mercy traditions in service of a larger vision for Catholic higher education, which includes forming students who seek truth, honor human dignity, serve the common good, and become who they are meant to be.
Pope Leo XIV Meets Pope Leo XIV [titlebase] emphasized the essential role of Catholic education in forming the whole person and cultivating a passion for truth. He stated that Catholic education must instill in students a true passion for the truth, and not only intellectual truth, but the truth that is Christ himself. The Pope’s words spoke directly to the work underway at St. Ambrose and Mount Mercy, and reinforced the vision of Catholic higher education that Novak and her team are working to achieve.
In related news, Pope Leo XIV Meets Pope Leo XIV [titlebase] also met with Oscar-winning actor Matthew McConaughey, who attended the Pope’s weekly audience with his wife, Camila Alves. The meeting was a significant moment for the Pope, who has been engaging with various leaders and celebrities in recent months. Meanwhile, in Ohio, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has purchased the oldest Mormon temple, which is located in Kirtland, and is preparing to dedicate its newest U.S. temple in a nearby Cleveland suburb.
The dedication of the new temple is a significant event for the Mormon community, and it comes at a time when the church is experiencing renewed interest in its history and traditions. The Kirtland temple, which was built in the 1830s, is considered the first temple in the Mormon movement, and it is where Joseph Smith initiated rituals and proclaimed divine revelations. The temple is a significant landmark in the history of the church, and it is a reminder of the important role that Ohio has played in the development of Mormonism.
In conclusion, the meeting between Amy Novak and Pope Leo XIV Meets Pope Leo XIV [titlebase] highlights the importance of Catholic education and the role that it plays in forming the whole person. The integration of St. Ambrose and Mount Mercy is a significant development in the world of Catholic higher education, and it reflects the commitment of the church to providing high-quality education that is rooted in the values of the faith. As Pope Leo XIV Meets Pope Leo XIV [titlebase] continues to engage with leaders and celebrities, it is clear that the church is committed to building bridges and fostering greater understanding between different communities.
