Diritto Canonico

On Monday, October 7, 2024, in the presence of the Secretary of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, Bishop Giovanni Cesare Pagazzi, and the Prelate of Opus Dei and Grand Chancellor of the University, Mons. Fernando Ocáriz, the inauguration ceremony of the 2024/2025 academic year took place, marking the 40th year of activity for the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross.

The ceremony began with the celebration of the Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit at the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare, the University's chapel, presided over by Bishop Pagazzi.

Following this, the solemn Academic Act took place in the Aula Magna, with the inaugural lecture given by the Secretary of the Dicastery for Culture and Education on the theme The University as a Home of Study, followed by inaugural addresses from the Rector Magnificus, Rev. Prof. Fernando Puig, and the Grand Chancellor.

The Academic Act was broadcast via livestream at the following link.

Grand Chancellor's Address
Rector Magnificus' Address
Statistics for the Academic Year 2023/2024

Photo Gallery

Among the 21 new Cardinals announced by Pope Francis at the end of the Angelus prayer on Sunday, October 6, 2024, is alumnus George Koovakad, currently an official in the Secretariat of State and responsible for Papal Travels.

Born in Chethipuzha (India) on August 11, 1973, he was ordained a priest in 2004 and incardinated in Changanacherry. He entered the diplomatic service of the Holy See and worked in the nunciatures in Algeria, Korea, Iran, and Costa Rica.

At our School of Canon Law, he obtained his Doctorate in June 2006, with a thesis on The Obligation of Poverty for Secular Clerics in the Codes of Canon Law (advisor: Rev. Prof. Luis Navarro). He had previously earned a Baccalaureate (2002) and a Licentiate (2004).

To the new Cardinal, who will be created along with the others in the Consistory on December 8, 2024, the best wishes and prayers of the Academic Community.