Pope Leo XIV opens academic year

Pope Leo XIV presides over Mass for Pontifical Universities' academic year start in St Peter's Basilica.

Study as service to faith

Pope Leo XIV urges students and teachers to consider study as service to faith and truth for themselves and others.

Reason essential for faith

Pope Leo XIV states that asking questions and using reason are an essential part of the journey of faith in following Jesus Christ.

Call to intelligence

Pope Leo XIV links intelligence to faith, memory, critical thinking and shared mission for the Church.

False teachers warned

Pope Leo XIV warns against false teachers exploiting religious fervor for radicalization.

“In every age, there is no shortage of false teachers who exploit the religious fervour of many believers for their own ends, often leading them to radicalise certain aspects of the teaching they have received at the expense of the whole, which is Christ and his Gospel.”

Friendship and shared truth

Pope Leo XIV encourages students to cultivate friendships and integrate life into studies through Christ.

“Cultivate friendship at university, the Pope urged, calling it a "precious gift" and "all the more so when it is lived out in the shared search for truth in Christ."”

Global classroom

Pope Leo XIV invites students to meet people from all continents as classmates in their studies.

“Look around you: the whole world is present in your lecture halls. Alongside you are people from Africa, Asia, America, Europe and Oceania.”

11,750 students enrolled

Around 11,750 students are enrolled in Pontifical Universities across Rome.