Pope Leo XIV to Catholic Universities: Be the Path of Reason Toward God

On 28 July, Pope Leo XIV addressed a message to the participants of the 28th General Assembly of the International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU) in Guadalajara, Mexico, urging Catholic universities to become an “itinerary of the mind toward God” and a place of dialogue with cultures—without ever distancing themselves from Christ, Vatican News reported.

“In a time full of ‘siren calls,’ Catholic universities are called to be an itinerary of reason toward God,” the Pope emphasized, warning against the false security, popularity, and novelty that divert from true knowledge. Recalling the words of St. Augustine, he underlined that the soul without truth remains in darkness, while light comes from the immovable and eternal truth—God Himself.

The Assembly in Guadalajara, marking the 100th anniversary of IFCU, carries the theme “Catholic Universities, Choreographers of Knowledge.” The Pope welcomed the symbolism of the word “choreography” but called for discernment: “We must ask ourselves, what music are we listening to?”

The message further stresses that the university is not separated from the Church’s mission, reminding that the early Christians already recognized the need to harmonize the Gospel with existing worldviews. “The knowledge of the classical world ended with death, because it lacked Christ,” the Pope said.

Referring to the teaching of St. Thomas Aquinas, Pope Leo XIV highlighted that in Christ—who is Knowledge itself—what is most proper to faith and most universal to reason come together. “Wisdom, understood both as a gift and a capacity, thus becomes the natural place of dialogue with cultures and worldviews,” he wrote. He added that it is not necessary to relativize Christ’s unique position in order to achieve sincere and fruitful dialogue with other scientific and cultural traditions.

At the conclusion of his message, the Pope expressed his hope that “Christ-Knowledge, truth made person, may be the compass that guides the work of Catholic universities and the driving force of a new evangelization in higher education.” He ended the message with his apostolic blessing for the participants of the assembly.

Representing the Catholic University of Croatia at the Assembly are Rector Prof. Željko Tanjić, Ph.D., and Vice-Rector for International Cooperation Prof. Jasna Ćurković Nimac, Ph.D.

The Assembly was opened by IFCU President Isabel Capeloa Gil, with introductory addresses delivered by the Archbishop of Guadalajara, Cardinal José Francisco Robles Ortega, and the Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça. The central conference on academic diplomacy featured Archbishop Paul Gallagher and other international speakers. The Assembly runs until 1 August.

Source: IKA.HKM.HR