Students and professors of the Theological-Catechetical Institute of the University of Mostar took part in an audience with Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, during a pilgrimage to Rome, Radio Mir Međugorje reported, relaying a story citing Crkva na kamenu. According to the report, for TKI members it was a special and joyful moment of communion in faith and an opportunity to meet the successor of Peter.
Pilgrimage of students, professors and staff
Along with the Institute’s students, professors and staff, the pilgrimage includes Father Nikola Menalo, vicar general of the Diocese of Mostar-Duvno and the Diocese of Trebinje-Mrkan; Father Marko Šutalo, deputy head of the TKI; and Prof. Dr. Marko Odak, vice-rector for research at the University of Mostar.
The report highlights their participation in the audience as part of their pilgrimage, as well as an encouragement to continue their work and service to the Church. Particular emphasis is placed on theological and catechetical formation and education, with which the significance of this encounter for the Institute’s members is associated.
Archbishop Petar Rajič, who serves in the Holy See’s diplomatic service, was also present in communion with the Pope and representatives of the Holy See. The report also recalls his connection to the Church in Mostar: as a priest of the Diocese of Trebinje-Mrkan, Rajič was ordained a bishop in Mostar Cathedral in 2010.
Meeting with Archbishop Tomo Vukšić
During their stay at the Vatican, TKI students and professors also met with Msgr. Tomo Vukšić, Archbishop of Vrhbosna and president of the Bishops’ Conference of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Archbishop Vukšić is also the Grand Chancellor of the Theological-Catechetical Institute of the University of Mostar, so the meeting brought the Institute’s members together with its Grand Chancellor.
In Rome, Vukšić is taking part in a gathering marking the tenth anniversary of the publication of the post-synodal apostolic exhortation *Amoris Laetitia*. The report on the pilgrimage of the students and professors from Mostar cites this as the reason for his stay in Rome.
According to the report citing Crkva na kamenu, the meeting in Rome was an opportunity for the Institute’s students and professors to share in communion, pray and meet representatives of the Church. These are described as a significant part of their pilgrimage experience, along with encouragement to continue their work and service to the Church in theological and catechetical formation and education.
