Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has called on Catholic colleges and universities to place Christ at the centre of education, saying that academic excellence alone is not enough if students are not guided toward the deeper truth found in Jesus Christ.
Speaking at the Vatican on Wednesday, Pope addressed a delegation from the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities in the United States. The group was in Rome for its 2026 seminar and included university presidents and rectors from Catholic institutions across the country.
In his remarks, Pope Leo stressed that Catholic education should inspire students not only to gain knowledge and professional skills but also to develop a genuine love for truth. He said that truth is ultimately found in Christ and that education must help young people discover this reality.
Pope warned that without a passion for truth, students may find it difficult to recognise what is true and shape their lives according to it. He encouraged Catholic educators to create learning environments in which the Christian vision influences every subject, every activity, and every relationship within the academic community.
According to Pope, Catholic institutions have a unique mission in today's world. He said educators should help students encounter Christ and discover in the Catholic faith a unifying vision that gives meaning to life and learning.
Pope Leo also reflected on the challenges facing education today. One of the most serious issues, he said, is the growing fragmentation of knowledge. While many people become highly skilled experts in specific fields, they often struggle to see how different areas of knowledge connect or how they relate to the deeper questions of human life.
He noted that many students enter universities primarily to obtain qualifications and prepare for future careers. While acknowledging the importance of these goals, Pope urged educators to guide students beyond professional success. He encouraged them to help young people seek wisdom, reflect on the purpose of life and recognise the dignity of every human person.
Pope acknowledged that this mission is demanding but essential. He said educators have a noble responsibility to help students develop a passion for learning, for truth and for Christ.
Pope also addressed the impact of rapidly advancing technology, particularly artificial intelligence. Referring to the Church's recent document on safeguarding human dignity in the age of artificial intelligence, he said the widespread use of AI presents new challenges for schools and universities.
He observed that artificial intelligence is making it increasingly difficult to assess students' work and is requiring educators to find new and creative ways to ensure authentic learning. At the same time, he emphasized the need to continue investing generously in the education of future generations.
Pope Leo said students should learn how to use new technologies responsibly while continuing to develop essential human abilities such as reasoning, critical thinking and memory. These skills, he said, are necessary if young people are to help shape the future responsibly and ethically.
Concluding his address, the Pope encouraged Catholic educators to remain faithful to the Church's mission of evangelization. He expressed hope that students in Catholic institutions would always find sound teaching and lasting values that can serve as a strong foundation for their personal lives and for the future of the United States.
The Pope's message highlighted the enduring role of Catholic education in forming not only successful professionals but also men and women of faith, wisdom and moral responsibility.