The express support of the Holy Father for the Decree of the University

Apostolate, as well as for the foundation of the San Antonio University

Order, represents a further recognition of the work that the Universidad

Católica is developing in the field of evangelisation, as well as greater

support for two major projects that will give UCAM even greater international

boost. These two initiatives were endorsed by Pope Francis in a meeting at the

Vatican with José Luis Mendoza, who attended with his wife, María

Dolores García, and his daughter María.

Through this Apostolate, UCAM will offer members of the university

community a Catholic formation itinerary based on the Rite of Christian

Initiation of Adults. As for the work of the Order, it shall focus on different

areas of action, including elderly care, comprehensive personal development,

childcare, family protection, homelessness, prisoners and ex-prisoners,

migrants, the right to study/education, the sick, and evangelisation.

At the meeting, His Holiness Pope Francis and UCAM President, José Luis

Mendoza, reviewed the different humanitarian, social and evangelising

initiatives that the institution is developing at national and international level,

as well as other projects currently underway at the University, such as the

organisation of the Catholic World University Games in collaboration with

the Spanish Olympic Committee, or its involvement in the World Youth Day

to be held next summer in Lisbon, etc. In a pleasant and profitable

conversation, the Pope reiterated his recognition to the president of UCAM for

the excellent work UCAM has been carrying out in the different areas of

teaching, research, social work, and evangelisation, and encouraged the

president to continue this effort, considering it to be of great importance for

the Catholic Church. At the same time, His Holiness also expressed his

interest for the UCAM president and his family on a personal level.

Prior to the celebration of this private meeting, José Luis Mendoza, together

with his wife and daughter, participated in the audience that Pope Francis

granted to the academic community of the John Paul II Pontifical

Theological Institute for Marriage and Family Sciences, whose

headquarters in Madrid are directed and managed by UCAM.