Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has reminded Catholic universities that truth is not just an idea or theory, but is fully revealed in the person of Jesus Christ.
In a message sent for the 60th anniversary of the Bolivian Catholic University “San Pablo,” the Pope reflected on the mission of Catholic education and encouraged the institution to continue forming students with wisdom, responsibility, and compassion.
The message was released as the university marked six decades of service to the Church and society in Bolivia. Pope Leo praised the institution’s long history and said the anniversary was an opportunity to recognize its contribution to education and human development.
The Holy Father said a university should not be seen only as a place for technical training or for producing practical knowledge. Instead, he described it as an academic community that helps protect human dignity and preserve cultural values.
According to the Pope, true education must focus on the complete formation of the human person. He explained that education should help people grow intellectually, morally, and spiritually while preparing them to serve society responsibly.
He noted that universities should help students develop the ability to think clearly, engage in open dialogue, and act with honesty and integrity. He added that academic learning must always be connected with responsibility toward others and the common good.
Reflecting on the university’s motto, Veritas in Caritate, meaning “Truth in Charity,” Pope Leo said the phrase beautifully expresses the mission of a Catholic university rooted in faith.
The Pope stressed that, in Christian understanding, truth is not simply an abstract concept or intellectual pursuit. Instead, he said, truth finds its identity in Jesus Christ, who reveals both God and the true meaning of human life.
He explained that when truth is pursued with honesty and intellectual discipline, it naturally leads toward charity and love. For Christians, he said, speaking the truth should always be an act of love that helps others grow and find fulfillment.
Pope Leo also warned against the misuse of knowledge. He said knowledge without moral direction can become a tool of domination, exclusion, or selfish gain. Because of this, he insisted that truth must always have a personal and relational dimension.
The Pope emphasized that academic work should always serve justice and defend the dignity of every human being, especially the poor and vulnerable.
He further said that research, teaching, and professional formation should never become self centered goals. Instead, they should contribute to building a more humane and just society where knowledge is placed at the service of the human person.
The Holy Father encouraged the university community to continue allowing the spirit of Veritas in Caritate to guide its academic and pastoral mission in the years ahead.
He concluded his message by entrusting the university’s students, teachers, and activities to the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, whom he invoked under the title Seat of Wisdom.