Pope Leo XIV highlighted the role of universities in an increasingly polarized world, describing them as “privileged places for dialogue.”

During a private audience at the Vatican with the board of governors of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem on Thursday, Leo said that the universities can be promoters of peace at a time “often characterized by violence and pointed rhetoric.”

“While not always easy, universities must constantly work to ensure that opportunities for meaningful encounters remain available,” Leo said in his remarks. “In an atmosphere where respectful dialogue is possible, everyone can grow in knowledge through learning from the points of view and living testimonies of others, even those with whom they might disagree.”

The Pope also highlighted the role of the university amid a rise in armed conflicts worldwide. Citing his message for the 59th World Day of Peace in January, Leo encouraged higher education leaders to work for peace within and beyond their academic communities, even if peace seemed impossible.

“Rather than believing peace to be impossible and beyond our reach, we must seek to promote it in our communities and to welcome and recognize it in our own lives,” Leo said. “I pray that through forming artisans of peace, the University community may continue to be a beacon of hope and unity in a world that is increasingly divided.”