Having given due consideration to the need to adapt the service and function of the Pontifical Urbanian University, called to contribute to the missionary action of the Church, which needs to grow in the interpretation of the revealed Word and in the understanding of the truth, also through academic, cultural and scientific activity, in order to train those who are called upon to cooperate in the proclamation of the Gospel, in the advancement of the life of faith and in governance in the territories of first evangelization (cf. Apostolic Constitution Praedicate Evangelium, Art. 61-63);

Having considered what has been manifested to me by the Eminent Grand Chancellor regarding the urgency of revising the structure of the University and conforming it to the Apostolic Constitution Veritatis Gaudium, the Statutes and other regulatory provisions that govern the life of the Faculties and Institutes, as well as providing for the adaptation of the administrative organization to the norms in force for the Entities of the Holy See;

I APPOINT

the Most Distinguished Professor Vincenzo Buonomo as my Delegate, to whom I also confer the authority and powers of Rector Magnificus, so that he may take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that the Pontifical Urbanian University guarantees a qualified contribution to theological research and in other disciplines, an ever more fruitful formation of the new generations and authoritative teaching capable of providing answers to the Church and the contemporary world. 

The Delegate will exercise his mandate in agreement with the Grand Chancellor and the Superiors of the Section for First Evangelization and the New Particular Churches of the Dicastery for Evangelization, reporting directly to me for matters of greater importance.

He will also facilitate the necessary inclusion of the Pontifical Urbanian University in the process, initiated by me and coordinated by the Dicastery for Culture and Education, aimed at reorganizing the Roman Pontifical Academic Institutions that are directly administered by the Apostolic See.

The Delegate will assume office on 1 October 2023.

From the Vatican, 14 September 2023
Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross

FRANCIS