Pope: Posing questions is 'essential' part of the journey of faith

Pope Leo XIV: Asking Questions Is an Essential Part of the Journey of Faith

VATICAN CITY — October 8, 2026

Pope Leo XIV opened the new academic year for ecclesiastical institutions of higher education with a Holy Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday evening, bringing together Rome’s Pontifical academic community.

In his homily, the Pope emphasized that the beginning of a new academic year should mean more than simply returning to lectures and research. He encouraged students, teachers and researchers to approach their studies as a service to faith, truth and humanity, guided by the Holy Spirit and a shared mission.

Study as a Service to Faith and Truth

Pope Leo XIV invited the academic community to recognize that education has a deeper purpose than gaining knowledge or achieving personal success. Learning, he explained, should benefit both individuals and the wider community, reflecting Christ’s love and service to others.

The Pope highlighted the importance of reason, thoughtful questions and critical thinking in understanding the Christian faith. He explained that asking questions in the light of God’s Word and the Church’s Tradition is an essential part of following Jesus Christ.

He also encouraged students and educators to pursue knowledge with humility, remembering that faith and reason can work together in the search for truth.

Learning and Working Together

Reflecting on the words of St. Paul in his Letter to the Galatians, the Pope stressed the importance of intelligence, memory and critical thinking. He warned against misleading teachings that exploit people’s religious feelings while overlooking the fullness of Christ’s Gospel.

Pope Leo XIV encouraged the academic community to make learning a shared mission rather than an individual pursuit. He urged students, teachers and researchers to study and work together, with one another and for the good of others, always keeping the Lord at the centre of their efforts.

Building Friendships and Serving Others

The Pope also encouraged students to nurture friendships, remain connected to the wider Church community and be open to the questions and experiences of others. He reminded them not to forget people living in poverty or those who have fewer opportunities for education.

He called on the academic community to share the knowledge and opportunities they have received, ensuring that education contributes to the well-being of society.

Pope Leo XIV concluded by encouraging students and educators to remain rooted in prayer, welcome the guidance of the Holy Spirit and entrust the new academic year to the intercession of Our Lady, Seat of Wisdom.

His message serves as a reminder that education is not only about acquiring knowledge, but also about growing in faith, seeking truth and using what we learn to serve God and others.