Issued by the Catholic Center for Studies and Media - Jordan. Editor-in-chief Fr. Rif'at Bader - موقع أبونا abouna.org
Catholic universities worldwide are vade mecum in knowledge leading to peace, enlightenment
In a message addressed to participants of the 28th General Assembly of the International Federation of Catholic Universities held in Guadalajara, Mexico, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV offered a reflection on the role of Catholic universities in today’s world, urging them to remain rooted in Christ as the source of wisdom and truth.
Quoting Church Fathers, namely St. Augustine and St. Paul, the Pope highlighted the enduring need for Catholic institutions to illuminate the human spirit by anchoring knowledge in divine truth.
He affirmed that "Catholic universities should not distance themselves from Christ or relativize His unique role in the name of academic discourse. Rather, they are to engage respectfully and fruitfully with all traditions of knowledge, precisely from the strength of their Christian identity."
Actually, the message sent by Pope Leo are a manifestation of the reality experienced worldwide as several countries have deflected from the right path of life with their streets imbued with violence and bloodshed. What is really missing are educated societies whose higher educational institutions may impart the wisdom of Lord Jesus Christ to be the compass in every walk of life. From this premise, the Pope affirmed that "the university environment, marked by dialogue and intellectual plurality, is not alien to the mission of the Church."
In the Middle East, there are notably three renowned universities, namely the American University of Madaba, and Bethlehem University in the Holy Land in addition to Erbil Catholic University in northern Iraq. These universities were established in a region characterized by a state of instability and violence. Yet, guided by the Divine teachings, they exude the wisdom of Lord Jesus Christ as their compass, for apart from being institutions of higher education, they have been sowing the seeds of peace, harmony, common living while accepting students from a passel of religious and ethnic affiliation and instilling atmospheres enveloped with brotherhood and respect for all human beings.
This noble message conveyed by these universities quench the fire of hatred, while resuscitating an atmosphere of cordiality where all people may extend hands of cordiality and jointly work for the progress of their societies.
In other words, the current global situation--marked by geopolitical instability, increasing polarization and social unrest--has made it impetrative on Catholic universities to respond not only to academic needs but also to the spiritual, human, and social dimensions of our time.
Catholic universities strive to integrate faith and reason, by encouraging students to explore the relationship between their beliefs and the world around them. Furthermore, they foster a sense of community and encourage dialogue; play a vital role in fostering unity, understanding, and hope; and provide spaces where students can engage in open and respectful dialogue, even on difficult or controversial topics. Furthermore, they provide a strong foundation for students' lives, by shaping their values, ethics, and commitment to lifelong learning.
The Holy Bible reflects on wisdom which is the source of knowledge by stating, "For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding." (Proverb 2:6)
Tribute is paid to Catholic universities worldwide that have all the time been vade mecum in knowledge leading to peace, enlightenment while striving to rectify misconceptions and steer societies towards atmospheres of cooperation, common living, and social peace.