On 28 September, UCLouvain received a special visit from Pope Francis to mark the 600th anniversary of the university, which was founded in 1425. Here’s a look back at this historic day and the debate, with its agreements and disagreements, initiated between the UCLouvain community and the Vatican.
The visit took the form of a meeting between the Pope and some 50 students and young scientists and professors committed to the challenges of environmental and social transition.
They addressed a letter to the Pope, which was the result of a collective effort involving professors, young researchers and students. The letter was read on stage at the Aula Magna by playwright Geneviève Damas and six university community members who had taken part in working groups. The letter’s aim was to initiate a dialogue with the Pope on several themes linked to the environmental and social transition: eco-anxiety, inequality, philosophical roots, the role of women in society, solidarity and frugality.
The Pope responded for approximately 20 minutes.
As UCLouvain Rector Françoise Smets said in the press release following the meeting, UCLouvain thanks the Pope for his response and for sharing the major concerns regarding transitions. UCLouvain shares the concern of Pope Francis, who said he was “struck” by the question of the future and the anxiety expressed by the university community. The university welcomes the Pope’s position on the climate issue. UCLouvain agrees with the Pope’s description of the comprehensive nature of the academic journey. He stressed that a university degree must attest to a capacity to work “for the common good”.
However, UCLouvain ardently disagrees with his conservative views on the role of women in society. Rector Smets said: “We welcome this dialogue. We agree regarding the environmental and social inequalities denounced by UCLouvain. But we also note a major disagreement regarding the role of women in society.” As an open, inclusive and engaged university, UCLouvain reaffirms its desire for everyone to flourish within it and in society, whatever their origins, gender or sexual orientation, and hopes that this dialogue with the Vatican can continue in a constructive fashion in the years to come.
After the meeting, Pope Francis greeted the crowd from the Aula Magna’s esplanade, where he was presented with an honorary calotte (the skullcap worn by members of student associations).
The visit ended with the Pope’s tour through a crowd of some 5,000 people in the Aula Magna car park.
The Day's photo album
Watch the Pope’s visit in full **The Pope arrives at the Aula Magna at 1:18
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Information on the Pope’s visit to Belgium