Annual Study Visit to Rome and the Vatican by the Bossey Ecumenical Institute

30 Jan 2025

A diverse group of 37 students, faculty members, and staff from the Bossey Ecumenical Institute in Switzerland undertook their annual study visit to Rome and the Vatican from 19 to 26 January 2025. The students, representing over 20 different Christian traditions—including Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and a wide variety of historic and emerging Protestant communities—came from all corners of the world.

The programme featured visits to various offices of the Roman Curia, encounters with representatives of religious orders, meetings with Catholic lay movements, and tours of theological faculties. Participants also enjoyed guided visits to Rome’s most significant Christian historical sites.

A highlight of the visit was attending the Pope’s general audience on Wednesday morning, where the group had a memorable opportunity to meet the Holy Father. On Saturday, 25 January, they participated in Vespers led by Pope Francis at the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, marking the conclusion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The following day, the group joined the Mass celebrated by Pope Francis in St Peter’s Basilica to commemorate the Sunday of the Word of God.

During their time in Rome, the group also visited the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, where they engaged with staff members who provided insights into the Holy See’s ecumenical mission.

This annual study visit, organised and supported by the Dicastery, offers Bossey students a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of the Catholic Church and its role in ecumenical dialogue.

Established in 1946, the Bossey Ecumenical Institute serves as the international hub for encounter, dialogue, and formation within the World Council of Churches. Each year, it brings together a group of students from diverse Christian denominations and cultural backgrounds for academic study, personal exchange, and ecumenical learning.