By Charles Igwe
Responding to Pope Francis’ call, the Society of Jesus has merged three Pontifical Universities in Rome into a single juridical entity.
On March 15, 2024, Fr. Mark Lewis S.J., Rector of the Pontifical Gregorian University, received a decree from Fr. Arturo Sosa S.J., Superior General of the Society of Jesus and Vice Grand Chancellor of the Pontifical Gregorian University, formalizing the integration of the Pontifical Biblical Institute and the Pontifical Oriental Institute into the Gregorian.
The merger, as announced by the Gregorian in a press release, will be implemented on May 19, 2024, Pentecost Sunday.
These three esteemed institutions, all entrusted to the Society of Jesus by the Pope, will now operate under a unified framework.
The Gregorian, dating back to 1551 and founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola, has historically been known as the ‘Roman College.’
The Pontifical Biblical Institute, founded in 1909, specializes in advanced studies of sacred Scripture.
Similarly, the Pontifical Oriental Institute, established in 1917, focuses on advanced studies in the ecclesiastical sciences and the canon law of the Eastern Churches.
The consolidation process was initiated following a Chirograph signed by Pope Francis on December 17, 2019.
In his directive, the Pope stipulated that while the Pontifical Biblical Institute and the Pontifical Oriental Institute would join the Gregorian University, they would maintain their individual identities and missions within the unified institution.
This restructuring aims to enhance the ability of the two Pontifical Institutes to fulfill their specific mandates in the current landscape.
Additionally, Pope Francis expressed his commitment to the mission of the Pontifical Oriental Institute, with the Prefect of the Dicastery for the Oriental Churches assuming the role of Patron for the Institute.
The authority to draft new statutes for the Pontifical Gregorian University, incorporating the two Pontifical Institutes, was delegated to the Superior General of the Society of Jesus and the respective institutions.
The Dicastery for Culture and Education ratified and approved the new statutes on February 11, 2024.
