Fostering critical thinking at Catholic universities can counter 'false teachers,' pope says

Pope Leo XIV told students from pontifical universities in Rome that using reason and critical thinking helps protect believers from false teachers. During an evening Mass in St. Peter's Basilica on Oct. 8, the pope said that valuing human intelligence is necessary to counter those who exploit religious sentiments for personal interests or push radicalized versions of Church teaching.

The pope described reason, memory, and critical thinking as fundamental to both faith and mission. He noted that asking questions based on the word of God and Church tradition is an essential part of following Jesus Christ. In his homily, he referenced St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians to illustrate how an appeal to reason can help believers distinguish true faith from incorrect claims.

The pontifical universities and institutes in Rome serve more than 15,000 students from approximately 125 nations. While these institutions focus on theology and philosophy, students also study subjects such as canon law, liturgy, sacred music, communications, and archaeology.