Congress on "Purpose of the University: to inspire the governance, culture and people of the organization"
As the Jubilee of the World of Education approaches, leaders in Catholic and Christian-inspired higher education gathered in Rome for a landmark event: the Conference Preceding the Jubilee of the World of Education, held from October 29 to 31, 2025, at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross.
Organized under the University and Catholic Identity Research Project, the conference comes at a pivotal moment for global education. With increasing commercialization and economic forces reshaping the landscape of schools and universities, the event offered a critical space to reflect on what distinguishes Christian educational institutions — not only in purpose but also in governance and daily operations.
Quoting Pope Francis’ 2024 address to the International Federation of Catholic Universities, organizers remind participants of the Church’s call for a deeper, more human vision of education:
“An educational enterprise is not only based on perfect programmes, efficient equipment or good business practices. A greater passion must animate the university... lived out in a community of knowledge where the liberality of love is palpable.”
A Forum for Reflection and Action
The conference explored key questions that lie at the heart of higher education leadership today:
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What is the real purpose of Christian-inspired universities?
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How can governance structures reflect and support their foundational values?
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What best practices in governance and crisis management can help institutions navigate future challenges?
To address these themes, the program was structured around three core components:
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Keynote Lectures – Offering theoretical grounding from internationally respected scholars and education leaders.
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Practical Sessions – Using the case study method, participants were engaged in collaborative problem-solving and shared reflection.
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Individual Papers and Roundtables – Showcasing real-world examples and best practices from across the globe.
Who attended the conference?
The conference was designed for university leaders and administrators at all levels of governance — from rectors and deans to board members and academic officers. It will serve as both a reflective forum and a practical workshop, offering tools to better align governance with mission and identity.
Details and Registration
Poster I Depliant I Program I communication.research [at] pusc.it (More information) I How to register? I Registration
This is more than a conference — it is a call to renew the soul of higher education.
