Has the Pontifical Gregorian University always been housed in this grand, neoclassical building? The answer, my friends, is no. The Pontifical Gregorian University, or “The Greg” as it’s affectionately known, boasts a history as rich and layered as the Eternal City itself. Founded in 1551 as the Roman College by St. Ignatius of Loyola, the university’s roots reach back to the heart of the Counter-Reformation.
Initially, the Roman College served as a comprehensive institution, covering everything from grammar school to university studies. However, its reputation for scholarship, particularly in theology and philosophy, quickly grew. It even garnered the attention of Pope Gregory XIII, who bestowed upon it a new home and an enduring legacy. In 1584, the Roman College was renamed in his honor, becoming the Gregorian University we know today.
The university didn’t rest on its laurels. It became a center for scientific inquiry. One of its professors, the brilliant Jesuit Christopher Clavius, developed a little something you might be familiar with – the Gregorian calendar, still used worldwide.
But like Rome itself, the Gregorian University has seen its share of upheaval. After the suppression of the Jesuits in the 18th century and the turmoil of Italian unification, the university faced the loss of its campus and most of its faculties. It even had to make do in a smaller building for a time. Yet, like a phoenix from the ashes, the Gregorian University rose again in the early 20th century, thanks to the support of Pope Pius XI. He secured a new campus for the university, the very grounds we stand on today.
Today, the Pontifical Gregorian University stands as a testament to resilience and academic excellence. It’s a beacon, drawing students from over 150 countries. As you gaze upon its impressive facade, remember this: Within these walls, the future leaders of the Catholic Church are formed, carrying forward a tradition of scholarship that spans centuries.