Vatican News / Monika Stojowska, KUL
“I wish the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin to faithfully fulfill its mission of proclaiming the Gospel of hope to a world torn by wars and suffering. Fulfill your vocation as witnesses of hope – just as your great patron and professor, St. John Paul II, did,” declared Card. José Tolentino Mendonça.
A university close to the problems of the modern world
The Cardinal spoke about letting the light guide the university in its research and help transform this world from the ground up into a new heaven and a new earth. He also emphasized that the Catholic university should not remain indifferent to the problems of contemporary times.
“The Word of God this Sunday boldly proclaims that in this monster of chaos – as we might describe our world – Providence consistently carries out a plan of salvation, the goal of which is to save everything that is precious and beautiful, the life of each one of us,” pointed out the clergyman.
In summarizing the homily, the Prefect expressed the desire that the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin educate courageous and upright people who will become God’s allies in the fight for a just world. “Thanks to hearts open to truth, the seed of the Kingdom of God has a chance to grow and transform our human reality,” concluded Card. José Tolentino Mendonça.
Over 3,600 new students at KUL
Over 3,600 students began their studies at KUL in the 2026/2027 academic year. In total, the university has over 9,000 students, including doctoral students.
“Thank you for this trust. We want to respond to it with the quality of education, openness to questions, and readiness to search for the truth together,” emphasized the Rector of KUL, Rev. Prof. Mirosław Kalinowski, during his speech.
Knowledge in the service of the common good
Rev. Prof. Kalinowski also quoted the words of Leo XIV spoken during the inauguration of the university campus in Malabo: “This inauguration is a gesture of trust in humanity.” He added that the Pope spoke about the formation of new generations, the search for truth, and putting knowledge at the service of the common good. “This is also how we understand the mission of our university,” noted the Rector of KUL.
The inaugural guest lecture for the academic year was delivered by the Rector of the Jagiellonian University, Prof. Piotr Jedynak.
