Press Releases

ACCU Statement on the Election of Pope Francis
The Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities joins with Catholics around the world in welcoming the newly elected pope, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio.

As the first Jesuit to hold the office and the first pontiff from the Americas, Pope Francis represents a turning point in the history of the Church. Catholic higher education will look to the new pontiff—with his experience as a university teacher and rector, and his deep commitment to social justice—to continue to strengthen the productive relationships between his predecessors and Catholic colleges and universities.

Read Catholic college leaders' reactions to the election of Pope Francis in Update.

ACCU Statement on the Resignation of Pope Benedict XVI:
The Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities expresses its gratitude to Pope Benedict XVI for his longstanding support of Catholic higher education. A former professor, the Holy Father has repeatedly affirmed the value of Catholic colleges and universities, especially their role in advancing faith and reason. In taking the extraordinary step of resigning, Pope Benedict acknowledged his own declining strength and resultant inability to fulfill the ministry of his office. By so doing, he demonstrated great humility, considerable leadership, and an acute understanding of what it means to serve the common good. We wish His Holiness all the best as he leaves the papacy, and look forward to working with his successor.

ACCU Statement on the Ten-Year Review of Ex Corde:
Washington, DC—The Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities expressed its gratitude and added its support for the final report on the ten-year review of The Application of Ex Corde Ecclesiae for the United States, released yesterday by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.  Read the full statement...

ACCU Statement on the Tragedy in Newtown, CT:
Washington, DC—The Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities expresses its heartfelt sorrow at the events of Friday, December 14, at Sandy Hook Elementary School. 

During this period of Advent, as we await with hope the birth of our Savior, we pray that our educational institutions—whether elementary school, secondary school, or university—may be places of harmony and fellowship, where our students are safe to pursue knowledge and grow in friendship and love. And we ask God to bless and console all those who have been affected by this senseless tragedy.

Washington, DC—On June 28, 2012, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). The 5–4 ruling did not address mandated coverage of practices that run contrary to religious beliefs, nor did it preclude other constitutional challenges to the law. In light of this decision, therefore, the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities affirms the significance of the litigation filed by Catholic colleges and universities against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. These lawsuits now sit as the primary means to defend the free exercise of religion without government interference—a fundamental right that remains too precious to let slip away.

View "In Our Own Words" here

12/1/2011

Saving Faith: Pastoral Care for International Students

While in Rome delivering an address on pastoral care for international students, ACCU President Michael Galligan-Stierle met with Pope Benedict XVI, and presented His Holiness with a copy of Promising Practices: Collaboration Among Catholic Bishops and University Presidents, which Galligan-Stierle edited.

See an interview with Michael Galligan-Stierle on EWTN, talking about pastoral care of international students (EWTN/YouTube)