Students enrolled in a course taught by John Carroll University professors Santa Casciani, Ph.D., and Luigi Ferri, Ph.D., had the opportunity to travel to Rome during Spring Break this year. The highlight of their trip was a lecture, given by Father Federico Lombardi, S.J., director of the Vatican Press Office. Father Lombardi serves as the spokesperson for Pope Francis. Lombardi's message to the JCU students centered on Pope Francis’ idea of the “culture of the encounter,” and concerns around the globe. He also discussed his role in the Vatican Press Office. The class, Rome and the Word of Wonder: Baroque Literature, Art and Music, is part of the Classical and Modern Languages and Cultures curriculum at John Carroll. The Spring Break visit to the Vatican is an integral aspect of the course, which also examines how the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola influenced Baroque art in Rome. Related information: Center for Global Education / Study Abroad