On Thursday, June 25, presidents from nineteen Jesuit colleges and universities in North America met with Pope Leo XIV during a working trip to Rome. The trip was coordinated by the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU) in partnership with the AJCU Board of Directors.
In his address to the presidents, Pope Leo encouraged them to reflect on the Universal Apostolic Preferences (UAPs) of the Society of Jesus as “paths that might help to address these challenges at the level of higher education.” He said, “Your institutions are called not only to teach your students about the injustices faced by those on the margins of society, but also to be powerful channels in promoting systemic change through proposing new models rooted in solidarity and the common good.”
In discussing the third preference, “accompanying youth toward a hope-filled future,” Pope Leo said, “The studies that take place on your campuses, the friendships that naturally blossom there and the opportunity for all in your academic communities to encounter the thought and research of great scholars, both past and present, can bring a sense of hope and the promise of what could change for the better.”
The presidents’ meeting with Pope Leo was among several during their three-day visit to Rome. During a meeting with V. Rev. Arturo Sosa, S.J., Superior General of the Society of Jesus, they discussed discernment and formation for college trustees, as well as opportunities for collaboration between Jesuit institutions across the world. International collaboration was also a key focus during a meeting with Rev. Joseph Christie, S.J., who serves as Secretary for Higher Education of the Society of Jesus and head of the International Association of Jesuit Universities (IAJU).
Meetings were held at the General Secretariat of the Synod, the Dicastery for Culture and Education, and the Jesuit Curia, where the presidents met with the international director of Jesuit Refugee Service. The group also visited the rooms where St. Ignatius of Loyola (founder of the Society of Jesus) lived in Rome, followed by a Mass in the Nobili Chapel, a location dear to the Society of Jesus.
AJCU’s president, Dr. Michele C. Murray, said, “Our delegation of pilgrim presidents included those who are brand new to their institutions and those who are veterans. While the majority represent schools in the United States, we were delighted to have the presidents of our institutions in Belize and Regina, Saskatchewan joining us. Our time together in Rome strengthened our ties as members of the AJCU network in North America and deepened our commitment to the global apostolate of Jesuit higher education.”
Please note: Photos from the AJCU visit with Pope Leo may be seen in a public online gallery through Vatican Media. AJCU has requested digital files of group photos from Vatican Media: we look forward to sharing these upon receipt, along with reflections from our presidents following their return from Rome.