03 November 2025
Rome
The University of Deusto took part in the Jubilee of the Educational World, held in Rome from 29 October to 2 November 2025, as part of the 25th Jubilee in history convened by Pope Francis under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope”.
The event, organised by the Dicastery for Culture and Education, brought together representatives from universities, schools and educational institutions around the world. The rectors and directors of institutions belonging to UNIJES – Jesuit Universities – took part in the event, including the Rector of the University of Deusto, Juan José Etxeberria.
Throughout the sessions, participants explored the three languages of education proposed by Pope Francis: the language of the mind, with spaces for reflection on the major educational challenges of our time; the language of the hands, through the Education Village, where innovative experiences and initiatives were shared; and the language of the heart, focused on the spiritual and human dimension of the educational mission.
They also took part in a pilgrimage to the four major basilicas in Rome, passing through one of the Holy Doors, and visited places of special importance to the Society of Jesus, such as the Church of the Gesù, the Rooms of St Ignatius, the Pontifical Gregorian University and the General Curia.
On Saturday 1 November, the Solemnity of All Saints, the international educational community gathered in St Peter’s Square for the Eucharist presided over by Pope Francis, a celebration of thanksgiving for the commitment of educators, families and institutions working for the future of younger generations.
During his participation in the Jubilee, the Rector of the University of Deusto highlighted the profound inspiration drawn from this international gathering presided over by Pope Leo XIV.
Juan José Etxeberria SJ explained that the Holy Father invited those responsible for education to renew it from within, reclaiming four essential pillars of the educational mission: inner awareness, unity, love and joy. “These are simple words,” he noted, “but they carry extraordinary depth for those of us who believe in education as a path of personal and social transformation”.
In his address, the Pope, inspired by St Augustine, reminded participants that “the true Teacher dwells within each person”, which means understanding education not merely as the transmission of knowledge but as guidance in the search for meaning and purpose.
He also encouraged the strengthening of unity and the educational community by promoting collaboration between schools, families and society. “Sharing knowledge can take no other form than that of a great act of love,” the Rector recalled, quoting the words of the Holy Father.
In the same spirit, the Pope placed love at the heart of teaching, reminding participants that “sharing knowledge is not enough; love is needed”. He also emphasised the joy of teaching as an essential attitude that “inspires other smiles, even in times of emotional and technological fragility”.
The Rector stated that the delegation from the University of Deusto and the Jesuit universities of UNIJES returned from Rome with renewed conviction: Ignatian education is called to form individuals who are reflective, united, committed and joyful — men and women “for others”, capable of transforming the world through encounter and hope.
"This Jubilee encourages us to continue educating with love, joy and humanity," the Rector concluded.
Taking part in the Jubilee of the Educational World has been, for the University of Deusto, an experience of communion, learning and shared hope — in line with the mission of UNIJES and with the Ignatian commitment to educate for the transformation of the world through faith, justice and service.
