In a message to Villanova’s Class of 2026, Pope Leo XIV called on graduates to remain faithful to the Augustinian values of “veritas, unitas, caritas (truth, unity, charity)” throughout their lives.
“The world beyond Villanova is waiting for you, sometimes with open arms, and sometimes with truly dangerous intent. You will have the challenge and the opportunity to make a big difference, if you carry with you those Augustinian values of veritas, unitas, caritas,” Leo, a graduate of the Class of 1977, said in a written message read at Villanova’s May 19 commencement ceremony.
“This being the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, I would invite you to recall in a special way the guiding principles of the foundations of our nation: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all [people] are created equal; that they are endowed by our Creator with certain inalienable rights, and among those are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,’” the pope said.
“May the graduates of 2026 always be faithful to the guiding light that has been so important for these 250 years,” Leo said. “Congratulations, and please know that I send all of you my apostolic blessing.”
Benedictine College condemns antisemitic leaflet, promises disciplinary action
Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, condemned the distribution of antisemitic leaflets across its campus in late April following a conference on Nostra Aetate, the Vatican II document on non-Christian religions, hosted by the Coalition of Catholics Against Antisemitism.
The flyer was distributed by a group called “Coalition of Catholics Against Jewish Supremacy” and accused Benedictine College theology professor Matthew Ramage of “blasphemy.”
“The college is proud that our students took the initiative to remove these anonymous flyers from cars in campus parking lots, and we are also proud that our student groups were the first to respond to the attacks,” the college said in a statement, praising the Latin Mass Society for speaking out and expressing “its disgust and utter disappointment at the content” of the leaflet.
“Questions are now being raised about repercussions,” the college said. “Any student who is found to be involved in conduct that violates the Student Code of Conduct is subject to the college’s student disciplinary procedures, but this process is confidential to protect students.”
Liberty University student challenges Supreme Court on taxpayer funding for religious studies
Liberty University student Bethany Hall is challenging a decades-old Supreme Court precedent limiting the use of taxpayer-funded scholarships for students in religious studies programs.
Hall is suing Virginia officials for blocking her from using a $5,000 per year scholarship she received through the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant program to pay for her degree in youth ministries, considered a vocational religious degree. Majors that “prepare individuals for the professional practice of religious vocations” disqualify students from receiving the public funds, according to the state program.
After a panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against her on May 13, Hall’s case is one step closer to the Supreme Court, according to a May 19 report.
“It’s just quite simply wrong and very sad that our Supreme Court made that decision back then,” Hall said. “Because whether you agree with Christianity or a different religion or not, it’s not up to the court to determine if I get to receive a scholarship paid for by taxpayer dollars.”
Canadian university launches ‘Pope Francis Institute’
St. Jerome’s University in Ontario, Canada, announced it is opening an institute dedicated to the legacy of Pope Francis.
“To honor Pope Francis on the first anniversary of his death, St. Jerome’s University is announcing the creation of a new hub for learning, dialogue, and leadership formation,” the university said in a press release. “The Pope Francis Institute will be the world’s first initiative of its kind dedicated to advancing the legacy of the late pontiff.”
The Pope Francis Institute will officially launch with a public event sometime during the 2026-2027 academic year, according to the release.
The institute will host programs “rooted in the spirituality of Francis and the educational tradition of his Jesuit order,” including public lectures, retreats, professional development, and research.
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