Catholic universities are defined not by symbols like crucifixes, but by their commitment to harmonizing the pursuit of truth with the certainty of faith.
Newsroom (30/07/2025, Gaudium Press ) Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, delivered a powerful call to action at the 28th General Assembly of the International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU) on July 28, emphasizing that Catholic universities are defined not by symbols like crucifixes, but by their commitment to harmonizing the pursuit of truth with the certainty of faith.
“Far from being just another institution in the global marketplace of ideas, and much less Catholic simply because of the number of crucifixes on its walls or the celebrations in its chapel, a truly Catholic university is a place where the search for truth is in harmony with the certainty of faith,” Gallagher declared, as reported by Vatican News.
Speaking in Guadalajara, Mexico, the archbishop underscored the “central role” Catholic universities must play in fostering peace through knowledge, dialogue, and the formation of ethical leaders. In a world marked by armed conflicts, ideological divides, and deepening polarization, he urged these institutions to reaffirm their vocation as “beacons of knowledge, faith, and service to humanity.”
Academic Diplomacy: A Tool for Peace
Gallagher introduced the concept of “academic diplomacy” as a vital instrument for bridging cultures and fostering mutual understanding. “You can uniquely develop academic diplomacy as a means to promote peace through thoughtful engagement, ethical reflection, and respectful dialogue,” he said, stressing that Catholic universities must go beyond imparting technical knowledge to engage in a universal search for truth.
This vision, he argued, is rooted in a Catholic identity that is both deeply grounded and universally engaged. “A truly Catholic education is not isolated, but extroverted and committed to the universal search for truth,” Gallagher affirmed. He highlighted the Christian anthropological view—that every person, regardless of race, religion, or nationality, is created in the image and likeness of God—as a foundation for building peace through dialogue.
Drawing from his own experience as a student at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Gallagher described universities as “seeds of peace” sown in classrooms, laboratories, dormitories, and libraries. He envisioned the entire university as a “diplomatic mission,” not an ivory tower but an active participant in cultivating a culture of peace.
An Interdisciplinary Mission
Gallagher emphasized that this mission requires an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach. “This is inherently interdisciplinary, because only mutual exchange enriches all parties and contributes to the development of leaders capable of guiding their societies with wisdom and compassion,” he said.
He also stressed the urgency of addressing contemporary challenges—war, division, and mistrust—by returning to foundational principles. “Many of the challenges of war and peace in today’s world can only be addressed sustainably by returning to these principles and applying them,” he warned, noting that ignoring them could lead to rapid deterioration and “terrible consequences.”
The archbishop advocated for a balance between specialization and a broader, nuanced vision in diplomacy. “Diplomacy requires specialists, but also needs generalists who seek a broad and nuanced vision,” he said.
A Diplomacy Rooted in Principle
In closing, Gallagher reaffirmed the Holy See’s commitment to a diplomacy grounded in principles and humanity, rather than pragmatism. “In our efforts, we promote peace, defend human dignity, and give a voice to those without one, especially the poor, the displaced, and the marginalized,” he concluded.
His address served as a clarion call for Catholic universities to embrace their role as global agents of peace, leveraging academic diplomacy to build bridges and foster a more just and compassionate world.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Aciprensa
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