Jesuit University Presidents Speak After The Holy Father's Address, One Of Inspiration And One Of Relief

College educators say they're encouraged, challenged by pope's words

By Carol Zimmermann

Catholic News Service

An excerpt.

Weeks prior to the address, media reports had speculated that the pope might come down hard on college presidents for hosting events or speakers not in line with Catholic teaching. Instead, in the words of one president, they were given a "gentle reminder" that academic freedom should not be pursued at all costs.

"It was certainly nothing of the scolding that some alarmists had hoped," said Jesuit Father Jeffrey von Arx, president of Fairfield University in Connecticut.

Jacqueline Powers Doud, president of Mount St. Mary's College in Los Angeles, said she never bought into the reports of a possible reprimand and "didn't think the pope would use this platform to deliver harsh criticism. "He acknowledged there are challenges," she said, but at the end he also "urged us to be witnesses of hope." Patricia McGuire, president of Trinity College in Washington, also said she had not anticipated a scolding and said his words of affirmation "have given us an opportunity to say we're proud of our work." Like her colleagues, she planned to carefully read his address and also was convinced it would provide a springboard for further dialogue among college presidents and other educators. "This is a moment of renewal," she said.

John DeGioia, president of Jesuit-run Georgetown University in Washington, called the pope's remarks "inspiring, moving and a powerful personal experience."He recalled the tremendous opportunity to be with colleagues and witness the crowd of young people gathered outside as part of "a huge celebration. There was a wonderful spirit to the place yesterday." Later DeGioia said he felt the pope's validating conviction and "deep sense (that) what we do matters."

The superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of Washington said the pope's message affirmed her work and the mission of Catholic schools in the region. Patricia Weitzel-O'Neill said Pope Benedict stressed the need for truth in education during his address to educators at Catholic University. The pontiff emphasized Catholic education is much more than knowledge, she said. "It is about sharing the truth."

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