ASIA/CHINA – The 600th Anniversary of Leuven Catholic University celebrated in Beijing

Beijing – The 600th anniversary of the founding of Leuven Catholic University was celebrated in Beijing. The university was officially founded in Belgium on December 9, 1425, by Pope Martin V with the papal bull “Sapientie immarcessibilis.”
Around 150 diplomats, alumni, and other guests attended the celebration, which took place on November 7 at the Belgian Embassy in Beijing. Twelve Leuven graduates and artificial intelligence experts, together with the director of the Leuven Institute, opened the second AI Salon on the topic of “Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for the World,” analyzing the impact of new technological discoveries and tools on the humanities. Three alumni, now writers—Xu Feng, Shao Bin, and Bao Shu—participated in the humanities conference on “History, Present, and Future,” reftracing the history of Leuven University.
Former architecture students also discussed the future of architecture and urban planning studies with eight experts from across China. Among those attending were Bruno Angelet, Belgian Ambassador to Beijing; Professor Peter Lievens, former Rector of KU Leuven; and Professor Roel Leus, Chairman of the KU Leuven Advisory Committee for the China Region.

Since the beginning of the 20th century, approximately 5,000 Chinese students have studied in Leuven. The university and the city of Leuven are also pilgrimage destinations for many Chinese Catholics visiting Belgium.
On December 9, 1425, at the request of the city of Leuven, Pope Martin V issued the papal bull “Sapientie immarcessibilis,” establishing the renowned university, which originally comprised the faculties of Human Sciences, Canon Law, Civil Law, and Medicine. Over the years, other faculties were added, including the Faculty of Theology.
Since 1968, the university has been divided into the Flemish-language “Katholieke Universiteit Leuven” and the French-language “Université Catholique de Louvain.”
Today, the university has more than 60,000 students and 20,000 employees, including academic staff and employees.
The 600th anniversary celebrations include exhibitions, cultural tours, artistic activities, and thematic conferences.

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