Marking the beginning of his historic visit to the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, Prefect of the Dicastery of the Holy See for Culture and Education, held an encounter with the higher institutional authorities in the Superior Council Hall.
The meeting was presided by the Bishop of Valparaíso and Grand Chancellor of the university, Monsignor Jorge Vega, svd, together with rector Nelson Vásquez, and welcomed the participation of the Apostolic Nuncio, Monsignor Kurian Mathew Vayalunkal; Vice Grand-Chancellor, Cristian Eichin, ofm; four former rectors and the members of the Rectorate Committee.
During the occassion, the rector presented to the Vatican authority with the main milestones that define the work of our university today, situating it as the largest higher education institution in the region of Valparaiso, and one of the top five universities in the country.
Among the addressed topics, the fundamental values that guide the PUCV stood out, together with its main institutional indicators, formative project, research and Innovation development, inclusion and equity policies, as well as its engagement in art, culture and sports. In addition, its commitment with regional development and strategic planning in the context of its upcoming centenary was highlighted.
For its part, Cardinal Tolentino de Mendonça thanked the university for the detailed presentation and warm welcome offered by the whole community since his arrival to the country. He also acknowledged the work carried out by the university.
“I was very impressed with the information, the numbers, the great work you carry out. This is a real university that strives for excellence and does not settle for current achievements. They have the desire to serve and transform the lives of people and face the challenges of our time”, he commented.
In this context, he recalled that “an educator that knows how to look with eyes of hope looks not only at the present day, but where one can go. This is why a university is similar to a delivery room because we teach each student how to be born and we tell them “You can do it, you are capable, and you can achieve whatever you set your mind to”.
Finally, he mentioned that universities face great challenges today, which “are not easy ones. Universities are currently undergoing turbulence, uncertainty. Catholic universities have a plus and are not alone”.
Former rector Bernardo Donoso highlighted the human nature of this meeting “when hearing these words coming from the heart. He created great closeness that will stay in the memory of many of us”.
For her part, General Director of Quality Assurance, Verónica Bustamante, pointed out that “this visit calls us to face our Catholic identity, and it helps us to look at our history and the important role that we have to educate through faith”.
Strengthening the relationship with the Church and the Holy See
The PUCV, born in the heart of the Valparaíso Dioceses, is defined as a Catholic University that, true to its identity, promotes an integral education inspired in Christian Humanism and the constant dialogue between faith, reason and culture.
Within this framework, the visit from the Vatican led by the Prefect of the Dicastery of Culture and Education has special Institutional relevance and reasserts the solid and historical ties that the university has with the Holy See, as well as its committment to the mission of the Church and Higher Education.
His presence not only is a milestone for our university community, but it also strengthens the place of the PUCV as an institution of excellence at the service of our country, deeply rooted in its catholic identity and in fellowship with the universal Church.
By Juan Pablo Guerra
Strategic Communication Department
