In a volatile global context, where social tensions threaten to shatter coexistence, educational institutions have decided to step forward .  The Organization of Catholic Universities of Latin America and the Caribbean (ODUCAL) has issued a strong institutional statement reaffirming its unwavering commitment to building a culture of peace and solidarity throughout the continent .

The document, presented in Rio de Janeiro to coincide with the celebration of the International Day of Catholic Education, does not shy away from the current reality .  The text warns that both Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as the rest of the world, are going through “a challenging time, marked by polarization, hate speech, and the fragmentation of the human fabric . “

Classrooms against fear and violence

Far from adopting a passive stance, the universities integrated into ODUCAL are positioning themselves as key players in reversing this situation .  Inspired by the Magisterium of the Church, the Second Vatican Council, and the Global Compact on Education, the network of institutions is taking on the challenge of transforming their campuses into true spaces for encounter between cultures, knowledge, and traditions .

“Educating for peace means forming consciences capable of justice, memory, reparation and reconciliation,” the manifesto states .

To achieve this goal, the organization has drawn up a clear roadmap based on three institutional pillars:

• Rigorous research:  Thoroughly analyze the structural causes of violence and social exclusion .

• Human development:  Shaping future generations as “artisans of dialogue” .

• Digital ethics:  Promoting a humanized and ethical use of new technologies, a field where the most divisive discourses are usually propagated .

Harmony with the Vatican

The statement also demonstrates a profound affinity and “filial communion” with the beginning of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate .  The universities have enthusiastically welcomed the Pope’s inaugural greeting (“Peace be with you!”), a message that, they affirm, breaks down the barriers of fear and inaugurates a new order of understanding among peoples .

Echoing the words of the Holy Father, ODUCAL commits to working actively for a peace they define as “disarmed and disarming, humble and persevering .  ” This final appeal seeks to ensure that higher education on the continent not only trains excellent professionals, but also citizens capable of listening to the wisdom of their people and illuminating paths of justice and fraternity .

Full text:

Universities for Peace

“Blessed are  the peacemakers  ,  for  they will be called children of God”  ( Mt 5:6)

In the heart of every person of goodwill dwells a deep and unwavering aspiration for peace. For this reason, the Organization of Catholic Universities of Latin America and the Caribbean (ODUCAL), faithful to the Magisterium of the Church, especially the Second Vatican Council, the teachings of the Popes, the tradition of the Latin American and Caribbean Church, and the Global Compact on Education, reaffirms its commitment to building a culture of peace and solidarity.

We live in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as throughout the world, in a challenging time marked by polarization, hate speech, and the fragmentation of the human fabric. Precisely because of their identity and mission, the Catholic Universities gathered in ODUCAL are called to be spaces of encounter between cultures, knowledge, and traditions, as true common homes of peace. Educating for peace means forming consciences capable of justice, memory, reparation, and reconciliation, and for this reason, we place our institutions at the service of the culture of peace: whether through research into the causes of violence and exclusion, through the formation of artisans of dialogue, or through the promotion of an ethical and humanized use of technologies.

The Catholic Universities that are members of ODUCAL, united in filial communion with the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, gratefully and fervently welcome his inaugural words to the world:  “Peace  be with you!” Through them, we receive the proclamation of the Risen Christ who breaks the bonds of fear and inaugurates a new order among nations. We dream and work alongside the Holy Father for a peace that is  “disarmed and disarming, humble and persevering .” From this peace we are born, and by this peace we serve.

May the Catholic Universities of Latin America and the Caribbean be, in our continent and in the world, places of encounter and cultivation of the culture of peace, capable of illuminating paths of reconciliation and dialogue, listening to the wisdom of the peoples who live here and committed to justice and fraternity.

Rio de Janeiro,

May 14, 2026

International Day of Catholic Education