Two First Nations students are heading to Rome after receiving the Australian Catholic University's (ACU) prestigious Francis Xavier Conaci Scholarship.

The scholarship is named after Francis Xavier Conaci, a Yued boy from the Noongar Nation who, in 1849 — reportedly at just nine years old — travelled to Naples to begin training as a missionary.

This year, Drew Campbell and Jacob Lasserre will represent the University and Indigenous Catholics across Australia during NAIDOC Week in Rome.

Campbell, a 19-year-old Wiradjuri woman from Nambour on the Sunshine Coast, was inspired by her mother, a social worker, to pursue a career that makes a difference. A former representative soccer player for Queensland, she is now studying a Bachelor of Speech Pathology at ACU's Brisbane Campus.

"I had an aunty who said a speech pathologist saved her life – for people struggling to communicate after strokes, or kids who can't communicate, it's vital," she said.

"I would love to do placements in rural areas and give back to Indigenous communities."

Mr Lasserre, also 19, is a Kamilaroi man from Cambooya, near Toowoomba. He's in his second year of a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Secondary Education at ACU Brisbane and recently completed his first teaching placement.

Having just wrapped up his prac, he said this moment in his life is "pretty full on".

"But it's confirmed my decision to become a teacher, I can't wait to get into the classroom," he said.

"I've always been proud to represent my community and culture, so to share that is an amazing opportunity. We're going to take over some Indigenous artefacts and traditional artworks to help explain their history and their significance.

"I also can't wait to explore — I am a big history guy — so I can't wait to visit the Vatican, Florence, Naples and all of the archeological sites around Italy."

Both students have connected over their small-town upbringings and a shared goal of using their education to help others.

"I'd say jump on every opportunity that comes your way – it is what pushes you to do something great in the world," Ms Campbell said.

Mr Lasserre credited ACU's First Peoples support network with helping him settle into university life.

"Coming from a small town to a big city like Brisbane for university was overwhelming at first, but having a dedicated space on campus really helped, and all of the other Indigenous students were so welcoming – they feel like family," he said.

Established in 2016, the scholarship honours Conaci and offers Indigenous students the opportunity to visit Rome and the Holy See, meet Australia's Ambassador to the Vatican, former Nationals MP Keith Pitt, and pay their respects to Conaci.

"At the Australian Embassy to the Holy See, we are delighted to welcome Drew and Jacob to help us celebrate NAIDOC Week here in Rome," Ambassador Pitt said.

"The Conaci Scholarship pays homage to the role of our First Nations in the development of Australia-Holy See relations, while also strengthening the human connections that underpin them."

ACU Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) Kelly Humphrey described the experience as "a truly special opportunity".

"Drew and Jacob aren't just travelling, they're walking in the footsteps of Francis Xavier Conaci, proudly representing their communities and culture," she said.

"It's an excellent opportunity to grow as young leaders, connect with others at our Rome Campus and show the next generation of First Nations students just how far their journey can go."

In 1848, Conaci and four other Yued children — including one girl, Ballomara, aged nine — were taken to Europe to be trained as Benedictine and Ursuline novices. His mentor, Benedictine monk Rosendo Salvado, hoped Conaci would become the first Indigenous missionary and return to Australia.

However, the plan ended in tragedy. Conaci fell ill in 1853 with multiple conditions, including bronchitis and measles, and died. He was buried in an unmarked communal grave at the Papal Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, now marked by a marble cloister.

Writing in The Conversation, Dr Liz Conor noted: "Their [Conaci went with fellow Yued boy Dirimera, aged 13] presentation to the courts of Europe was designed to showcase the successful evangelising of 'Native' children, in order to raise funds for the struggling mission."

For Mr Lasserre, who comes from a strong Catholic family, the chance to honour Conaci carries personal meaning.

"Because of my family and my faith, I have a very strong moral compass," he said.

"My grandmother was a religious teacher when she was younger, and is very devout, so she's very excited that I get the chance to visit the Vatican."

He added: "Pope Francis was so influential, and it's exciting to see how Pope Leo will carve out his own path — I feel like it's a time of renewal."