Pope Leo XIV urges Jesuit universities to confront secularism, AI and climate change

Pope Leo XIV addressed presidents of North American Jesuit colleges and universities at the Vatican on 25 June, outlining four priority paths for higher‑education institutions. He called for a renewed focus on the Spiritual Exercises to help students encounter God, a commitment to walk with the poor and marginalized, the fostering of hope among young people, and collaborative action on environmental stewardship. The pontiff warned that secularisation is pushing references to God out of public life, highlighted the challenges faced by migrants and the disadvantaged, and urged academic leaders to address the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and climate change.

The speech reaffirmed the Jesuit order’s Universal Apostolic Preferences and linked the university mission to broader Church teachings on social justice, creation care and the responsible use of technology.