UD Has Special Place In His Heart, Alum Cardinal Francis Leo Says
Kyle Pehlman | Contributing Writer
(Photo Courtesy of The Office of the Archbishop at Archdiocese of Toronto)
Cardinal Francis Leo, a two-time graduate of the University of Dayton, was recently appointed to be one of 21 new cardinals by Pope Francis. His path, influenced equally by his academic pursuits as well as his passion for Mary, has informed his work as a pastor and scholar and now lends the UD community a message of faith, education, and service.
He graciously responded to questions from this reporter via email recently for Flyer News.
“The University of Dayton will always have a special place in my heart, not just because of the intellectual and spiritual formation I received there but also for the Marianist piety that permeates its mission,” he said, emphasizing the role of religion in education.
He encourages today’s students to “stay committed to [their] search for knowledge, but never divorce intellect from faith.” The Marianist tradition, he asserted, “welcomes an integral education that shapes the mind, heart, and spirit,” much as Mary’s openness to God’s invitation.
For alumni, Cardinal Leo addressed how his UD experience shaped his vocation. Through the International Marian Research Institute, he enriched his theological understanding and personal devotion to Mary, particularly through his studies on Fra Girolamo Savonarola and Marianist sermons.
“My theological and personal growth at UD reconfirmed my dedication to integrating theological reflection with pastoral care,” he said. He encouraged alumni to “continue living out the values of faith, community, and service in their personal and professional life.”
One of the main themes of Cardinal Leo’s theology is the role of Mary in the Incarnation and the presence of Christ in our lives. He underlined that faith must be renewed constantly and that, “Mary’s ‘yes’ to God was not an isolated act but a constant openness to divine grace. This is a lesson for all of us.”
He invited Catholics to bring religion into everyday life by keeping a few moments free for prayer, delving into scripture more profoundly, and engaging in charitable works. As the Archbishop of Toronto, he has championed restoring consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, pledging individuals’ and communities’ devotion to Christ.
Outside his missionary work, Cardinal Leo has taken a leadership position in the Mariological research field. He helped co-found in 2014 the Canadian Mariological Society, an association with which scholars, priests, and lay people congregated in common purpose to seek knowledge on the role of Mary in the doctrine of salvation.
“Mariology is not a distinct science but closely connected with Christology and ecclesiology,” he explained. He believes that while the Church struggles with problems of the modern era, Mary is a guiding light, pointing the faithful to Christ with unwavering faith and maternal love.
Cardinal Leo also offered words of encouragement in light of the complexity of today’s world. “In a world often filled with uncertainty, Mary teaches us the virtue of trust. Her unwavering faith in God’s providence is a lesson for us all.”
He urged Catholics to embrace the beauty of their faith, seek Christ in the sacraments, and live as witnesses of the Gospel. “Like Mary, let us be open to God’s will, allowing Him to work through us in our families, communities, and the broader world. The Church needs faithful witnesses now more than ever.”
As he embarks on his new role as cardinal, Cardinal Leo’s message remains clear: faith and education are deeply intertwined, and Catholics everywhere are called to live out their faith with trust, devotion, and service.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Kyle Pehlman is enrolled in the Flyer News Practicum, offered through the Department of Communication. Students are given assignments that afford them the opportunity to research topics and interview sources as part of the journalistic process of producing publishable work for the online student-run publication.