All throughout college studying in the University of Santo Tomas (UST), I have always read the words “The Pontifical University of the Philippines” attached to its name. I have never given much thought to these words until now when I learned that Pope Francis  is scheduled to visit the school on January 18, 2015. How lucky can one educational institution get for being visited by the three popes who graced our country with their presence? Apparently, there is more to it than luck.

What is a Pontifical University?

A pontifical university is an institution established or approved directly by the Holy See comprising of three main ecclesiastical faculties namely Theology, Philosophy, and Canon Law, plus at least one other faculty. The European system of degrees in the sacred faculties is followed in pontifical universities. It is to be noted that specific offices  in the Roman Catholic Church require ecclesiastical degrees and pontifical universities are the best institutions to obtain baccalaureate, licentiate, and doctorate degrees for the purpose.

The main thrust of pontifical universities is to address Christian revelation and disciplines in relation to the Church’s evangelical mission. Pope Benedict XVI established the Holy See’s Agency for the Evaluation and Promotion of Quality in Ecclesiastical Universities and Faculties (AVEPRO) in 19 September 2007 to ensure quality standards in higher education. In the Philippines, UST holds that distinction of being a pontifical university thus the official name: The Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, The Catholic University of the Philippines.

University of Santo Tomas – Pontifical and Royal University

The word “Pontifical” was bestowed by Pope Leo XIII in 1902 through his constitution Quae Mari Sinico while the word “Royal” was given by King Charles III of Spain in 1785 in recognition of its administration and students in defending Manila against British invasion . Pope Pius XII provided the appellative “The Catholic University of the Philippines” in 1947. UST was founded in 1611 by then Archbishop of Manila Miguel de Benavides. This explains the automatic connection of the school to the Roman Catholic faith. In fact, UST seeks the approval of the Vatican for major decisions affecting the university.

With the visit of Pope Francis on January 18, the total number of times the school has been visited by a Pope becomes four. History will tell us that UST was first visited by Pope Paul XI in 1970 and twice by Pope John Paul II in 1981 and 1995. Papal visits to UST are mainly intended to inspire and encourage students, faculty, and staff as they perform evangelization.

My Say

I have been seeing postings and updates on my Facebook wall about plans of my former classmates in UST for January 18. It would really be nice to join them, together with my husband who is likewise a UST alumnus. It would be accomplishing two pleasurable tasks  in one event – seeing long-time friends and seeing Pope Francis himself.