To honour Pope Francis on the first anniversary of his death, St. Jerome’s University is announcing the creation of a new hub for learning, dialogue and leadership formation. The Pope Francis Institute will be the world’s first initiative of its kind dedicated to advancing the legacy of the late pontiff.
Centred on the St. Jerome’s campus, yet with a global reach, the Institute will be guided by the core themes of Francis’ pontificate. These include amplifying voices on the peripheries, advocating for migrants and refugees, caring for our common home, and healing the social fragmentation of our digital age.
Recognizing the existential questions underlying today’s global crises, St. Jerome’s imagines a new kind of space for public engagement. The endeavour will assemble academic, ecclesial and community voices by leveraging St. Jerome’s unique position—a federated institution with the University of Waterloo, a leading member of Canada’s network of Catholic colleges and universities, and a longstanding collaborator with the Diocese of Hamilton and religious orders, including the Canadian Province of the Society of Jesus.
The Institute will host a diverse range of programs, each rooted in the spirituality of Francis and the educational tradition of his Jesuit order:
- Engaging public lectures that foster authentic dialogue across difference.
- Immersive retreats and workshops that inspire mercy and radical solidarity.
- Professional development and microcredentials that equip leaders in the non-profit and faith-based sectors, particularly those serving the most vulnerable.
- Groundbreaking research that explores the intersection of faith and modern life.
The Pope Francis Institute will officially launch with a public event in the 2026-2027 academic year. St. Jerome’s is grateful for the support of an Advisory Board of local and international experts as the Institute’s development continues. For the latest details as they are announced, visit sju.ca/pfi.