Today, Monday 13 March, marks the 10th anniversary of the pontificate of Pope Francis; a decade of close relationship between His Holiness and UCAM through its founder, José Luis Mendoza, and his wife and current UCAM president, María Dolores García. 

Over the years, they have held numerous meetings and developed joint projects. The relationship has been so close that, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Universidad Católica de Murcia, Francis sent a recorded message of thanks and appreciation for the work carried out by the university, encouraging it to ‘continue going forward, sowing hope’. 

The Pope has maintained a friendly relationship with José Luis Mendoza, whom he recognised on several occasions for his work in the service of the Catholic Church and, on one occasion, awarded him with the 'Cruz Pro Ecclesia et Pontífice'. The Pope phoned the president of UCAM just hours before his death to tell him that he was praying for him and to give him his blessing.  

After the demise of the UCAM founder, there continues to be a close communion between the Holy Father and the University. An example of this is the meeting held just a few days ago between Francisco and María Dolores García, in which they discussed the activities and projects on which UCAM is working with the Holy See, and other new ones that will commence in the near future. During this meeting, the Pope paid a very special tribute to José Luis Mendoza, and once again showed his full support for the work being carried out by UCAM, especially in the field of evangelisation, encouraging its president ‘to continue doing good work with the University’. 

Special programming on Popular Television 

On the occasion of this event, Popular Televisión Región de Murcia has prepared a special programming from Monday 13 March until Sunday 19, in which they will review the highlights of the 10 years of Francis' pontificate.