UCAM has celebrated its 5^th Annual Law and Theology Conference today, Friday, in the Monastery of Los Jerónimos. The figure of King Alfonso X the Wise, promoter of higher education from the legislative and religious spheres in the Region of Murcia, has been studied in depth during the event. Prior to the formal academic ceremony, the Eucharist for the soul of Alfonso X was celebrated, officiated by Monsignor Bernardito Cleopas, apostolic nuncio of His Holiness the Pope to Spain and to the Principality of Andorra. Mons. Bernardito also gave the keynote lecture of the event, which was chaired by José Luis Mendoza, president of the Universidad Católica. The event included the rendition of various cantigas (medieval monophonic songs) by the Early Music ensemble of the Discantus Choir. 

Monsignor Cleopás highlighted the figure of Alfonso X for his great contribution to the history of Spain "above all in the field of law” and stressed that "all his actions were inspired by his Catholic faith and his devotion to Mary, which was reflected in his legal and musical works". The Nuncio also expressed his satisfaction with the work being carried out by the Universidad Católica de Murcia, highlighting that it is "the first university in the world founded by a layman" and that "in its twenty-five years it has proven the great quality of its teaching", underlining "as representative of the Holy Father, above all its great commitment to evangelisation". 

José Luis Mendoza, president of UCAM, stated that "Alfonso X was the promoter of higher education in the Region of Murcia, being the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) the one which established it", stressing that the Wise King "in view of the great knowledge he found in Murcia, promoted the coexistence between science and the Christian faith, which is based on love". He also recalled the words of Pope Francis in which the Pope affirmed that "society is enriched by the dialogue between science and faith, which opens up new horizons for thought. The light of faith needs to enlighten scientific advances so that they respect the centrality of the human person". 

The event was also attended by José Alberto Cánovas, Vice-Rector of Religious Affairs at the Universidad Católica, and Jaime Sánchez Vizcaíno, Vice-Dean of the Degree in Law at the university. 

The legacy of the Wise King 

Different experts on the figure of Alfonso X also spoke on the advances that the Wise King brought about in the cultural, political and legislative spheres. Carlos de Ayala, Professor of Medieval History at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, who gave the lecture 'The political-cultural programme of the Wise King: objectives and collaborators', explained that "the Middle Ages left us with a great cultural legacy, with Alfonso X the Wise being a very significant figure in this respect", placing special emphasis on his political strategy. 

José Sánchez Arcilla, Professor of History of Law at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, spoke about ''The repercussions of the legislative project of Alfonso X the Wise'', pointing out that this is ''one of the most important parts of his work'', defining him as ''a man who in some way anticipated the Renaissance''.  

Furthermore, José Manuel Nieto, Professor of Medieval History at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, described the role of Alfonso X as "the great renovator of the legal-political thought of his time" in his paper 'Divine Vicariate and Royal Power in Alfonso X', considering the great influence he has had both throughout medieval history as well as in recent times, from the point of view of the juridification of political thought.  

Today's event is the first of a series of activities that UCAM will be holding throughout this year as part of the commemoration of the 800^th anniversary of the birth of King Alfonso X the Wise.