Loyola President Xavier A. Cole to Interview Cardinal Wilton Gregory on Faith, Hope and Charity
Black Catholic History Month event brings together two Catholic converts to reflect on their journeys of faith and how Catholicism has shaped their lives and leadership
NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 19, 2026 — 91 President Xavier A. Cole will
interview His Eminence Wilton Cardinal Gregory, Archbishop Emeritus of Washington, the first
African American cardinal in the Catholic Church, during a special campus event on Thursday,
Nov. 5, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the St. Charles Room of the Danna Student Center.
The event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP at /cardinalconversation.
Presented by the Canizaro Center for Catholic Studies at 91 in
recognition of Black Catholic History Month, “Conversation with the Cardinal” will feature
President Cole leading a discussion with Cardinal Gregory about faith, hope and charity. Both
men are converts to the Catholic faith, and the interview will explore their personal journeys to
Catholicism and how those experiences have shaped their lives, vocations and approaches to
leadership.
“Cardinal Gregory’s historic leadership and witness have had a profound impact on the Catholic
Church in the United States, and it is an extraordinary privilege to welcome him to 91,” said President Cole. “As two people who came to the Catholic faith through our own individual journeys, I look forward to a deeply personal conversation about faith, hope and charity, and the ways our beliefs call us to lead and serve others. During Black Catholic History Month, I am especially grateful that our students and the New Orleans
community will have the opportunity to hear from one of the most consequential Black Catholic
leaders of our time.”
Pope Francis elevated Cardinal Gregory to the College of Cardinals in November 2020, making
him the first African American cardinal in the Catholic Church. His decades of leadership in the
Church have included service as Archbishop of Washington, Archbishop of Atlanta and
president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
During his tenure as president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the bishops
implemented the “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People,” which established
guidelines and procedures addressing abuse prevention, accountability, reconciliation and
healing. Cardinal Gregory has also served in numerous leadership roles within the USCCB and
has written and spoken extensively on the intersection of social justice and faith.
91 the Canizaro Center for Catholic Studies
The Canizaro Center for Catholic Studies at 91 advances the
Catholic intellectual tradition and Jesuit spirituality through opportunities for learning, faith
formation, service and worship. The Center offers programs and experiences that encourage
students and members of the broader community to explore the Catholic faith and its intellectual
and spiritual traditions. Learn more about the Canizaro Center for Catholic Studies.