USF President Meets with Pope Leo XIV
President Salvador D. Aceves ’83, EdD ’95 met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on June 25, as part of a visit by presidents of Jesuit universities and colleges in North America and Central America.
“Meeting Pope Leo XIV was a profound affirmation of the mission of Jesuit Catholic higher education,” Aceves said. “His message reminded us that universities are called not simply to transmit knowledge, but to form women and men who seek truth, accompany those on the margins, cultivate hope, care for our common home, and ensure that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence always serve human dignity and the common good.”
Aceves, chairman of the board of directors of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU), joined presidents from 18 other Jesuit colleges and universities on the three-day trip to Rome.
The Pope told the leaders that universities can be the best places to focus on the impact of artificial intelligence on humanity.
“Our time is one that is becoming increasingly impacted by artificial intelligence, with which other ‘new technologies open up a horizon extending in directions that are imaginable but not yet fully predictable,’” Pope Leo said, quoting his May 15 encyclical letter Magnifica Humanitas about AI.
“It is important to begin now to address the consequences, both positive and negative, that come from these advances,” the Pope continued. “Colleges and universities have a special role to play in this regard, especially through giving fresh impetus to the principles of the Church’s Social Doctrine ‘in a way that will be relevant and effective in addressing the digital revolution.’”
Later, during a meeting with V. Rev. Arturo Sosa, S.J., Superior General of the Society of Jesus, the presidents also discussed opportunities for global collaboration among Jesuit institutions.
AJCU President Michele C. Murray said, “Our delegation of pilgrim presidents included those who are brand new to their institutions and those who are veterans. While the majority represent schools in the United States, we were delighted to have the presidents of our institutions in Belize and Regina, Saskatchewan joining us. Our time together in Rome strengthened our ties as members of the AJCU network and deepened our commitment to the global apostolate of Jesuit higher education.”
The trip was coordinated by the AJCU and the AJCU Board of Directors.
