Pope Francis and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Work in Catholic Higher Education

Abstract

Efforts to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion challenge Catholic ministries, especially in higher education. Pope Francis’s pastoral witness to the gospel offers a mission-forward approach to DEI that can untangle the knots, ease much resistance, and ground initiatives related to dialogue, race, LGBTQ+, and the experience of inclusion. This paper will explicate the years of the pope’s ministry as the bishop of Rome as a grounding force for DEI efforts in Catholic higher education. Finally, attention will be given to the transition from a heretofore defensive and closed Catholic approach to one of encounter and openness with Pope Francis