Pope Leo XIV invites St Antony’s & Citizens UK Schools To Rome

Photo by @ Vatican Media

On the 24th to 26th June 2025, a contingent of 30 representatives from five Catholic schools across England and Wales comprising staff, pupils and organisers from Citizens UK were invited for a special audience with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.  Among this group, was our Head Teacher Mrs Angela Moore, Master Chan and two  of our year 6 pupil leaders  from St Antony’s Catholic Primary School in Forest Gate, namely Ariana Mahari and Tega Nanna. All travelled faithfully to Rome at the invitation of the Vatican for an audience with Pope Leo XIV. Our pupils had the opportunity to share our campaign efforts with the Holy Father, who listened attentively and offered his prayers and blessing on our work. He also gave a public endorsement to Citizens UK as a ‘Catholic Movement’ at Wednesday’s General Audience in St Peter’s Square.

The aim of this visit was to explore the future of community organising in Catholic education, foster collaboration with the international organising community, and deepen engagement with the Holy See. With Catholic Social Teaching solidly at the heart of these meetings and encounters, this summit marks an exciting next step for both Citizens UK and Catholic education in England and Wales. Rooted in the legacy of Pope Francis and looking ahead to the future of our faith under Pope Leo XIV, the event represents a significant milestone in the ongoing journey of faith-inspired community organising.

St Antony’s has been involved with community organising through Citizens UK for the past 10 years, with particular focus on the Living Wage and Affordable Housing campaigns, two issues which affect many pupils and families within the school. Over that time, pupils and staff have won campaigns on London City Airport, Tate & Lyle, Newham Council, London Excel, Royal Docks to all become accredited -paying the living wage to their workers as well as campaigned for more social housing on the development now situated on the previous West Ham football ground.