Pope Leo XIV says "Christian archaeology is a field of study that concerns the historical period of the united Church, and can therefore be a valuable tool for ecumenism..."

ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS POPE LEO XIV
TO THE COMMUNITY OF THE PONTIFICAL INSTITUTE OF CHRISTIAN ARCHAEOLOGY
ON THE CENTENARY OF ITS FOUNDATION

Clementine Hall
Thursday, December 11, 2025
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In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Peace be with you!
Your Eminence,
Monsignor Rector, Monsignor Secretary,
dear teachers, staff and students!

Today marks one hundred years since my venerated predecessor Pius XI , in the Motu Proprio I primitivi cemeteri di Roma cristiana , recalled how "the Roman Pontiffs have always regarded as their strict duty the protection and custody" of the sacred patrimony, in particular the "underground cemeteries commonly called Catacombs", without neglecting "the basilicas that flourished within the walls of the City of Rome with their grandiose mosaics, the innumerable series of inscriptions, the paintings, the sculptures, the cemetery and liturgical furnishings". In the same document, Pius XI mentioned the "never sufficiently praised Giovanni Battista de Rossi" and "the tireless investigator of sacred Roman antiquities Antonio Bosio", that is, the initiators of Christian archaeology.

On that occasion, the Pope had decided to add the Pontifical Institute of Christian Archaeology to the Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archaeology and the Pontifical Roman Academy of Archaeology , with the aim of "directing eager young people from every country and nation to the study and scientific research of the monuments of Christian antiquity." A century later, this mission is more alive than ever, thanks also to the international conferences on Christian archaeology, through which the Institute promotes studies in a discipline that is essential not only for the historical sciences, but also for the faith and Christian identity.

On this occasion, in today's Apostolic Letter , I wanted to offer some reflections on the importance of archaeology. Now I would simply like to offer a few clarifications.

First, the teaching of "Christian Archaeology," understood as the study of the monuments of the first centuries of Christianity, has its own epistemological status due to its specific chronological, historical, and thematic orientations. However, we note that in other contexts, this teaching is included within the scope of medieval archaeology. In this regard, I suggest you advocate for the specificity of your discipline, in which the adjective "Christian" is not intended to express a religious perspective, but rather qualifies the discipline itself with its own scientific and professional dignity.

Furthermore, Christian archaeology is a field of study that concerns the historical period of the united Church, and can therefore be a valuable tool for ecumenism: in fact, the different confessions can recognize their common origins through the study of Christian antiquities and thus foster the aspiration to full communion. In this regard, I was able to experience this precisely during my recent apostolic journey, when in İznik, ancient Nicaea, I commemorated the first Ecumenical Council together with representatives of other Churches and ecclesial communities. The presence of the remains of ancient Christian buildings was moving and motivating for all of us. On this topic, I appreciated the study day you organized in collaboration with the Dicastery for Evangelization .

I also urge you to participate, through your studies, in that "cultural diplomacy" that the world so desperately needs today. Through culture, the human spirit transcends national boundaries and overcomes the barriers of prejudice to serve the common good. You too can help build bridges, foster encounters, and foster harmony.

As I recalled in my Apostolic Letter , 1925 was the "Jubilee of Peace," and now we are celebrating the " Jubilee of Hope ." Therefore, your Institute, in a certain sense, finds itself ideally positioned between peace and hope. Indeed, you are bearers of peace and hope wherever you work with your excavations and research, so that, recognizing your red and white banner with the image of the Good Shepherd, they may open wide the doors to you not only as bearers of knowledge and science, but also as heralds of peace.

Finally, I would like to recall a passage from Saint John Paul II 's address , "On the Common Christian Roots of the Nations of Europe ," in which he said: "Europe needs Christ and the Gospel, for here are the roots of all its peoples. You too must listen to this message!" (November 6, 1981). Among the roots of European society and nations is certainly Christianity, with its literary and monumental sources; and the work of archaeologists is a response to the appeal I have just recalled.

Thank you, dearest ones, for your commitment! May the Pontifical Institute of Christian Archaeology continue its valuable service to the Church and culture with renewed vigor. I entrust this hope to the intercession of Mary Most Holy and cordially impart my Apostolic Blessing to you. Thank you.