杏MAP导航

By Vatican News

The name of Sophia University means, literally, 鈥淯niversity of Higher Wisdom." Founded by the Society of Jesus in 1913, and located in the heart of Tokyo, today it is considered one of Japan鈥檚 leading private research universities.

杏MAP导航 Francis addressed students, professors, and staff of the University on Tuesday morning, just prior to his departure for Rome.  

Study and meditation

Study and meditation, he said, are part of every culture, and Japanese culture 鈥渋s rightly proud of its ancient and rich heritage in this regard.鈥�  鈥淛apan has been able to integrate the thinking and the religions of Asia as a whole, and to create a culture with a well-defined identity鈥�, said the 杏MAP导航.

鈥淪ince universities continue to be the primary place where future leaders are trained鈥�, he continued, 鈥渋t is necessary that a breadth of knowledge and culture inspire every aspect of the life of educational institutions, making them ever more inclusive and capable of generating opportunities and social advancement.鈥�

Shaping a better society

Playing on the Greek word 鈥淪ophia鈥�, meaning 鈥淲isdom鈥�, the 杏MAP导航 said we have always been in need of true Wisdom 鈥渋n order to manage our resources in constructive and efficient ways.鈥�

Referring to present-day Japan as a 鈥渃ompetitive and technologically oriented鈥� society, he suggested that Sophia University be a center not only of intellectual formation, 鈥渂ut also of a place where a better society and a more hope-filled future can take shape.鈥�  

The Ignatian tradition

杏MAP导航 Francis confirmed that 鈥淪ophia University has always been marked by a humanistic, Christian and international identity.鈥� He expressed his confidence that this identity would grow stronger, 鈥渟o that today鈥檚 great technological advances can be put at the service of a more humane, just and ecologically responsible education.鈥�

The Ignatian tradition, on which Sophia is based, 鈥渙ught to inspire professors and students alike to create an atmosphere that fosters reflection and discernment鈥�, he said. Every graduate student should be able to face even complex situations knowing his or her conduct is 鈥渏ust and humane, conscientious and responsible鈥�, showing they are 鈥渞esolute defenders of the vulnerable.鈥� 

Focusing on young people

The universal Church looks 鈥渨ith hope and interest to young people worldwide鈥�, affirmed 杏MAP导航 Francis.

Sophia University should not only offer young people an excellent education, he said, but also allow them to be part of that education: 鈥渙ffering their insights and sharing their vision and hopes for the future.鈥�  

Walking with the poor

杏MAP导航 Francis stressed how Sophia University鈥檚 Christian and humanistic tradition is fully consonant with 鈥渨alking with the poor and the outcasts of our world.鈥�

Marginalized individuals should be 鈥渃reatively incorporated into the life and curriculum of the university, in an effort to bring about an educational approach aimed at reducing distances and disconnects鈥�, said the 杏MAP导航. 鈥淨uality university education should not be the privilege of a few, but constantly informed by the effort to serve justice and the common good鈥�, he added. 

Divine Wisdom

杏MAP导航 Francis concluded his address with words of encouragement and challenge: 鈥淭he Lord and his Church are counting on you to share in the mission of seeking, finding and spreading Divine Wisdom鈥�, he said, 鈥渁nd thus offering joy and hope to present-day society.鈥� 

Watch the full video of the event (with English commentary):