Pope Francis's visit to the US was one of the most exciting events of the semester. It was incredible to have him in our own country, to be able to follow him on the news and read the transcripts of his speeches, and to see him inspire both Catholics and non-Catholics alike.

Although CCM was not able to send a group to any of the three cities the Pope visited, we were lucky enough to have national reporter for Religious News Service, David Gibson, come to speak here at Elon (sponsored by the Elon Center for the Study of Religion, Culture, and Society). Mr. Gibson arrived at Elon shortly after having covered the Papal visit. He was able to give insight about what it is like to be a journalist in the Vatican and what we can continue to expect from Francis's papacy. Throughout his speech, he talked a lot about what Francis was preaching to those closest to him and how he was challenging the way they think. One visual in particular that stuck out to me was that of Jesus knocking on the doors of the Church, but he was knocking from the inside, locked in and asking us to let Him out. In saying this, Francis is reminding us not to constrain Christ within the details of the Church, but to instead go out and spread His love to all. This, and hearing that Francis is continually repeating the importance to be with the people, especially the poor, affirms my confidence in the Holy Father's wisdom and good things to come.

Elon faculty, staff, students and community members all attended this event and learned much from listening to Mr. Gibson. It was truly a pleasure to hear someone who covers the news with a Catholic perspective speak so genuinely and is also so successful in what he does.