Pontifical Gregorian University

Pontifical Gregorian University: Mission & Vision

Founded in 1551 by St. Ignatius of Loyola, the Roman College began as a free school of grammar and Christian doctrine in Rome. Over the centuries, it expanded to include chairs in philosophy and theology, gaining the right to award academic degrees in 1556. The Roman College, at the crossroads of Church and society, faith and culture, faith and justice, faith and science, was renamed the Pontifical Gregorian University (PGU) by Pius IX in 1873.

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Recent Integration & Common Vision (2024)

On May 19, 2024, two historic institutes—the Pontifical Biblical Institute and the Pontifical Oriental Institute—were integrated into the Pontifical Gregorian University as part of the Collegium Maximum (the university's original core). The new statutes, approved by the Dicastery for Culture and Education on February 11, 2024, unite these three missions in a single, common vision.

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The Collegium Maximum

• Retains the academic units of the former Gregorian University: faculties, institutes, and centers
• Learn more

The Pontifical Biblical Institute (PIB)

• Founded: 1909 by Pius X
• Mission: “A center of higher studies of Sacred Scripture in the city of Rome to promote biblical doctrine and all related studies as effectively as possible.”
• History of the PIB

The Pontifical Oriental Institute

• Founded: 1917 by Pope Benedict XV
• Mission: “An academy, or theological university, dedicated exclusively to the study of the various theological subjects developed in the East.”
• Entrusted to the Society of Jesus in 1922 to preserve its mission of service to the Eastern Churches
• Learn more

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Today, the Pontifical Gregorian University confronts modern challenges by adapting to the times while maintaining the spirit of St. Ignatius and remaining faithful to its historical roots and missions.