On Thursday, April 17, the large majority of presidents from the approximately 230 Catholic colleges and universities in the United States had the privilege of spending an hour with Pope Benedict XVI on the campus of the Catholic University of America in Washington. We were joined by the superintendents of education from most of the Catholic dioceses throughout America. I believe it is accurate to say that our encounter with the pope and his address to us far exceeded even our high expectations.

It was a glorious spring day in the nation’s capital last Thursday. We were obligated by the Secret Service to be on the CUA campus fully two hours prior to our meeting, for obvious security reasons. After receiving clearance, we enjoyed the excellent hospitality of the campus community at Catholic University, and many of us mingled with the thousands of college students enthusiastically awaiting the pope’s arrival. Once ushered into the assembly hall of the School of Law, we were warmly greeted by the CUA president, and then we watched on large video screens the students and dignitaries awaiting the pope’s coming. The entire event had a very festive tone to it. When Benedict XVI arrived, he lingered to warmly greet the students, as they roared their welcome and delight.

The pope’s entry into our assembly area was truly electric. From the moment he arrived, he graciously and in a most friendly manner greeted all who reached out to him. I was fortunate to be on the center aisle and in the third row, so I could see him clearly throughout his address.

Pope Benedict XVI truly impresses all those who meet him as an exceptionally kind, thoughtful and caring person. He is a man of exceptional intellect but also a beautifully integrated spirituality. He is a very humble person, a clear communicator, and perhaps even a bit shy. However, he connects very well to all with whom he speaks.

His address to us was remarkably affirming, encouraging and uplifting. It was evident to all that he is a joyous and concerned shepherd, who understands and deeply appreciates the mission and dedicated contributions of Catholic educators at all levels. In particular, because he is a highly regarded theologian, a gifted writer and a genuine scholar, he has a special affinity with those who serve and minister in Catholic higher education. His message to us was thoughtful, inspiring, and worthy of careful reflection.

The pope began by warmly greeting us and all whom we represent. He reaffirmed the vital role of education in the evangelical mission of the church, especially to the extent that a Catholic school or university is a place where one can encounter the living God. He gave emphasis to the pursuit of truth and to the encounter of knowledge, faith and personal witness. The pope expressed appreciation for the manner in which the identity of a Catholic college or school can penetrate every aspect of an institution. He had high praise for the many sacrifices made by countless faculty members, staff and administrators on all of our campuses.

Pope Benedict XVI expressed concern for the long-term sustainability of our institutions, as well as confidence that we would continue to find ways to strengthen their viability and vitality. He believes that the message that we bear to society emanates from the incarnated God active among us in the Holy Spirit.

The pope also spoke of the “crisis of truth” and its foundation in the “crisis of faith.” He noted the challenge of engaging youth and young adults intellectually, as well as helping them to trust, hope and choose to “opt into” participation in the life of God and the church.

Pope Benedict XVI greatly affirmed the contribution of Catholic educational institutions in bringing the values and perspectives of the Gospel to our culture, especially in terms of the shared search for personal meaning, communal identity, respect for the human dignity of each person, and the struggle to arrive at truth. He offered a nuanced but positive commentary on academic freedom, within the mission of each Catholic university. The pope called for a renewed commitment to excellence, a loving embrace of our educational ministry, a public witness to “the way of Christ,” and a continued living in the spirit of hope. In particular, Pope Benedict XVI urged that our colleges and schools renew our commitment to quality services for the poor, and to providing young persons with an alternative to “the many hollow promises (in our culture) which lure young people away from the path of truth and genuine freedom.”

In short, the Pope’s message was hopeful, affirming, encouraging and profound. In his person, he comes across as quite extraordinary in his genuineness, depth of vision, strength of faith and hope, and love for all. Our encounter with Pope Benedict XVI at that meeting of university presidents and diocesan superintendents was very much like many similar events during his short visits to Washington and New York City. We came away inspired, uplifted, challenged and renewed in our sense of purpose and in the value of our educational ministry. We also collectively realized that we had been with an extraordinary person of faith, vision and compassion.

— Christian Brother James Gaffney, president of Lewis University, Romeoville