Ana Torres Fonseca
As the largest university in Europe, it is estimated that around 122,000 students are enrolled in its various undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
The University of La Sapienza was founded in the 14th century by the will of Pope Boniface VIII. Known worldwide for its educational programs and research, it welcomed Pope Leo XIV on the feast of the Ascension of the Lord, May 14.
In addition, Pope Leo also had the opportunity to visit the exhibition titled “La Sapienza and the Papacy,” which illustrates the historical relationship between the Roman university and the popes.
Addressing the ultimate reason for this institution—the students—he urged them not to give in to resignation in a world filled with violence, wars, and conflicts.
POPE LEO XIV
In the past year, the growth of military spending worldwide, and particularly in Europe, has been enormous: do not call it ‘defense’ when rearmament increases tensions and insecurity, drains investment from education and healthcare, undermines trust in diplomacy, and enriches elites who care nothing for the common good.
He did not hesitate to name many of the regions of the world most affected by conflict and violence, and he insisted that the activity carried out in the university's classrooms should represent the opposite of the horrors of war:
POPE LEO XIV
What is happening in Ukraine, in Gaza and the Palestinian territories, in Lebanon, and in Iran describes the inhuman evolution of the relationship between war and new technologies in a spiral of annihilation. May study, research, and investment move in the opposite direction: may they be a radical ‘yes’ to life!
Before carrying out his visit, the Pope received hundreds of written questions from students. He clarified in his message that he did not have the time to answer all of them. But he hinted at further opportunities to organize future meeting to answer each of them.
