Luis Liberman, founder of the Institute for Global Dialogue and the Culture of Encounter, spoke about the enduring influence of Pope Francis in an interview published on Apr. 10. The discussion comes as the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP) prepares to host an international seminar titled “The Magisterium of Pope Francis: A Legacy for Building a Hopeful Future” on April 15 and 16 at its Social Sciences auditorium.
The event is significant given recent global and national challenges, including political, social, and ethical crises in Peru and broader issues such as war, climate change, and migration. The seminar aims to reflect on Pope Francis’s teachings during his pontificate from 2013 to 2025.
Liberman highlighted that Pope Francis followed the strategic lines set by Vatican II but brought originality by focusing on being a pope for those at society’s margins. “The originality of his pontificate is summed up in his declaration to be a pope from the peripheries,” Liberman said. He described Francis as someone who could explain complex issues simply and advocated for understanding vulnerability and inequality without reductionism.
On migration, Liberman emphasized that “humanity is migrant,” echoing Francis’s belief that accepting migrants is central to democracy. “A society that does not recognize this is doomed to failure,” he said. He also stressed the importance of listening as recognition of others: “Listening is precisely recognition of the other, the different one, the foreigner.”
Regarding environmental concerns addressed by Pope Francis in encyclicals like Laudato si’ and Fratelli Tutti, Liberman noted their call for public policies inclusive of all people aimed at achieving common good rather than profit alone. He quoted Francis: “No one can be saved alone. We are all sitting in the same boat.”
PUCP promotes cultural and social wellbeing through education and research contributions according to its official website. The university operates under its institutional framework with RUC 20155945860 according to its official website. PUCP highlights academic achievements while addressing societal issues via its news portal with input from professors and researchers according to its official website. Communication efforts are led by Dirección de Comunicación Institucional according to its official website.
Since evolving from a printed magazine in 2005 into a digital platform featuring multimedia content according to its official website, PUCP’s news portal serves communities across Peru with academic and news contributions according to its official website. The portal shares reports and multimedia materials on institutional activities and societal topics, maintaining a focus on research and education according to its official website.
Liberman concluded by stating the responsibility of Catholic universities: “Catholic universities, in particular, must be deeply connected with the people of God, never turn their backs, and welcome everyone. Francis was a pedagogue. He taught us, guided us, and also allowed us to dialogue with his legacy—even question it.”
