Marking the 100th anniversary of the Pontifical Institute for Christian Archaeology, Pope Leo XIV invites students and faculty to engage in cultural diplomacy, serve as a tool for ecumenism through their work and be a reminder of Europe’s Christian roots.
By Isabella H. de Carvalho
Pope Leo XIV has encouraged the Pontifical Institute for Christian Archaeology’s students and faculty to build bridges and overcome prejudices by taking part in cultural diplomacy.
He addressed the establishment’s members during an audience at the Vatican on Thursday, December 11, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of its foundation.
The Pope met with the group on the same day he published an Apostolic Letter “On the Importance of Archaeology” in light of this commemoration.
He explained how Pope Pius XI decided to create the Pontifical Institute for Christian Archaeology in 1925, adding it to the already existing Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archaeology and the Pontifical Roman Academy of Archaeology.
He founded the Institute with the Motu Proprio “The Primitive Cemeteries” in order to “direct willing young people from every country and nation to scientific studies and research on Christian antiquities.”
“A century later, this mission is more alive than ever,” Pope Leo said. “Thanks in part to international conferences on Christian archaeology, through which the Institute promotes studies in a discipline that is characteristic not only of the historical sciences but also of the Christian faith and identity.”
Build bridges across nations through culture
In his speech, Pope Leo urged students and faculty to take part, through their studies and work, in cultural diplomacy, “which the world greatly needs today.”
“Through culture, the human spirit transcends the boundaries of nations and overcomes the barriers of prejudice to place itself at the service of the common good,” he emphasized.
“You too can contribute to building bridges, fostering encounters, and nurturing harmony.”
He also pointed out how the Institute is “ideally situated between peace and hope,” since when it was founded in 1925 the Church was celebrating a “Jubilee of Peace,” and now this year it is living a Holy Year centered on the theme of hope.
“You are bearers of peace and hope wherever you operate with your excavations and research, so that, recognizing your white and red banner with the image of the Good Shepherd, doors may be opened wide to you not only as bearers of knowledge and science, but also as heralds of peace,” he added, referencing the Institute’s logo.
A valuable tool for ecumenism
The Pope then mentioned that Christian archaeology can be “a valuable tool for ecumenism” due to the historical period it focuses on.
He offered the example of his recent Apostolic Journey to Türkiye, where on November 28 he commemorated the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea by praying with other Christian representatives in front of the archaeological site of an ancient basilica in Iznik, modern-day Nicaea.
“The presence of the remains of ancient Christian buildings was moving and motivating for all of us,” he said.
“Different denominations can recognize their common origins through the study of Christian antiquity and thus foster the aspiration to full communion,” he continued.
He also underlined how the adjective “Christian” in this field of study is not an expression of a religious perspective, but rather it “qualifies the discipline itself with its own scientific and professional dignity.”
He thus encouraged his audience to be “advocates for the uniqueness” of their field.
Christian archaeology is important for Europe
Lastly, the Pope mentioned how this field of study is particularly important for European nations.
He cited St. John Paul II’s 1981 speech on “On the common Christian roots of European nations,” in which he said that “Europe needs Christ and the Gospel, because this is where the roots of all its peoples lie. May you also listen to this message!”
“Among the roots of European society and nations, there is certainly Christianity with its literary and monumental sources,” said Pope Leo, adding that the work of archaeologists offers a response to the Polish Pope’s appeal.