Papa Leone XIV: la formazione cristiana deve abbracciare l'intera persona

Pope Leo XIV told a delegation from Oriel College, University of Oxford, that Christian education must involve the whole person. During an audience on September 4, 2026, the pope met with the group to commemorate the 700th anniversary of the college receiving its royal charter.

The pope noted that the college has maintained its Christian identity throughout its history, originally founded as the College of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He highlighted Saint John Henry Newman as a model for scholars, stating that Newman demonstrated how faith and reason are inseparable in both his writings and his life.

Pope Leo XIV said Newman proposed a type of Christian formation that addresses the entire person and evaluates the quality of education through human dignity, justice, and the ability to serve the common good.