Catholic University: Holy Father Speaks Responsibility

One of the highlights of the pontifical visit of Pope Leo XIV to Cameroon was a meeting with the academic community of the Catholic University of Central Africa situated in the Nkolbission neighbourhood. Beyond academic exchanges, the Holy Father also inaugurated the statue of St Augustin erected at the entrance of the campus. In fact, that is where the Pontiff started his visit before moving to meet with the academic community. The Pope was received by the Rector of the University, Father Prof. Thomas Bienvenu Tchoungui. In his inaugural statement, Pope Leo XIV told the students to use the knowledge acquired from the school for the service of their country which in this case is Cameroon. According to him, adventures are not always very good as similar opportunities of success are found in almost every nation. He called on the students to be of good conduct and be the intellectuals that Africa needs. “Today more than ever, it is necessary that universities, and all the more so Catholic institutions of higher learning, become true communities of life and research, introducing students and professors alike to a fraternity of knowledge,” the Holy Father stated. To the Pope, the professors should use their professional competence and the educational establishment to continue to train human capital with Roman Catholic norms for the development of the country. Promoting social justice, the fight against corruption and the sense of service for the common good of humanity are the values the Holy Father prayed to be inculcated by the teachers to the students. He added that the role of professors is essential, encouraging them to embody the values of justice and fairness, integrity, a spirit of service, and a sense of responsibility. “Africa and the world stand in need of people who are committed to living according to the Gospel and to placing their talents at the service of the common good,” stated Pope Leo XIV. His speech was followed by the Lord’s Prayer and papal blessings. For the Rector of the University, Father Prof. Thomas Bienvenu Tchoungui, i...