Cardinal’s Lecture Reflects on Faith and Jesuit Legacy

The annual Bergoglio lecture series showcases leaders in the Catholic intellectual tradition

Cardinal Sean O’Malley delved into Jesuit history and his experiences working closely with Pope Francis when he led the most recent installment of the University’s Bergoglio lecture series, “Pope Francis, a Franciscan Jesuit, a Hybrid.”

“It is a distinct honor and great pleasure to welcome such an accomplished leader and thinker to this University,” said Michelle Loris, associate dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. “On behalf of myself and President [John J.] Petillo, we are honored to have the cardinal here today.”

Following the introduction, O’Malley addressed the packed crowd at the Dr. Michelle C. Loris ’70 Forum. “It is truly an honor to be with you all today,” O’Malley said before offering a prayer for Pope Francis during his hospitalization.

O’Malley touched on a variety of issues and stories, from the founding of the Jesuit faith to the current religious climate in which a Jesuit heads the Catholic Church.

He weaved through the history of the Catholic faith, exploring the lessons that can still be learned from the influential thinkers of years past. Last, O’Malley spoke about what it means to be a Catholic in today’s world. He highlighted Pope Francis’ ideas that can be studied to help improve the human condition.

“When, with the pope in Lisbon for a previous World Youth Day, he [Pope Francis] constantly uttered the phrase ‘todos, todos, todos,’” said O’Malley. “‘Everybody, everybody, everybody’ in English: Pope Francis has always encouraged the inclusion of everyone in faith and all walks of life.”

O’Malley’s conclusion resonated with the crowd, especially the students in attendance, as he offered practical advice on how to be a loving and accepting person in today’s world of disagreement and discord.

Benedetto Galluzzo ’26, was particularly impressed with O’Malley’s lecture and thankful for the chance to attend it. “It was fantastic to hear the cardinal’s insights on the Catholic faith and an honor to have him here on campus.”