Pope urges U.S. Catholic educators to lead students to deeper faith

Published: 2008-04-17

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- In an address to U.S. Catholic educators April 17, Pope Benedict XVI thanked them for their work and urged them to continue to bring their students to a deeper understanding of faith "which in turn nurtures the soul of a nation." He spoke to more than 400 Catholic college presidents and diocesan education representatives at The Catholic University of America. The pope was cheered by several hundred students who gathered on the lawn of the campus, and he was warmly applauded when he entered the Edward J. Pryzbyla University Center. He delivered his address while seated on a wooden throne designed by Catholic University students. Weeks prior to the address many had speculated that the pope might have harsh words of reprimand for college leaders, but instead the pope spoke warmly to the group, calling them "bearers of wisdom" and telling them of his "profound gratitude" for their "selfless contributions" and dedication. He made one specific reference to Catholic college presidents, near the end of his address, telling them he wished to "reaffirm the great value of academic freedom." He also noted that any appeals to academic freedom "to justify positions that contradict the faith and teaching of the church would obstruct or even betray the university's identity and mission."

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