# From refugee to university academic director in Rome

> Professor Darius von Güttner Sporzyński shares his journey from Italy's Latina Refugee Camp to becoming Australia Catholic University's academic director in Rome.
- Title: From refugee to university academic director in Rome
- Summary: Professor Darius von Güttner Sporzyński shares his journey from Italy's Latina Refugee Camp to becoming Australia Catholic University's academic director in…
- Keywords: darius von guettner sporzynski, italian refugee camp, australian catholic university, rome, poland, cold war, refugees, migration, religion, world, refugee, university
- Source: Vaticannews — https://vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-10/italys-largest-refugee-camp-australia-university-director-rome.html
- Author: Vatican News
- Published: 2026-10-09T11:58:47.302+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: darius von guettner sporzynski, italian refugee camp, australian catholic university, rome, poland, cold war, refugees, migration, religion, world
## Darius von Güttner Sporzyński's refugee journey
Professor Darius von Güttner Sporzyński arrived at Italy's Latina Refugee Camp after fleeing Poland 50 years ago.

> one of those journeys that was never to be repeated
## Italy's largest refugee camp opened
Sixty-nine years ago, Italy opened its largest refugee camp in Latina, housing 100,000 Eastern Europeans escaping the Soviet Bloc.
## Camp as temporary refuge
The Roberto Rossi Longhi Refugee Camp was a 72 kilometers southeast of Rome holding zone, not permanent home for refugees.
## Fleeing to Australia
Professor von Güttner's family left Europe for Australia after years in the camp, starting a new life there.
## Academic director in Rome
After becoming a historian, Professor von Güttner now directs Australia Catholic University in Rome.
## Refugee camp's lasting impact
The Latina Refugee Camp closed 70 years ago, but its legacy of welcoming migrants remains vital today.
## Why remembering matters
Professor von Güttner emphasizes that remembering the camp helps understand current migration challenges and human connections.
## Key takeaway

Professor Darius von Güttner Sporzyński, a refugee from Poland who fled to Italy's Latina Refugee Camp during the Cold War, now directs Australia Catholic University in Rome.