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    Duquesne Welcomes Pope Francis as New Church Leader

    Duquesne University of the Holy Spirit is delighted to welcome Pope Francis, the new leader of the Universal Church.  His election  and personal history suggests an important and profound turn toward humility and service to the poor.

    Duquesne watched events in Rome closely through the eyes of our students studying at our campus in the Eternal City this semester.  This was a life-changing experience for them.

    Our Spiritan religious sponsors have two interesting links to the new Pope.  The founder of the Spiritans, Claude des Places, was educated by the Jesuits.  Duquesne and Spiritan schools around the world are committed to educational excellence because of this connection.  The second founder of the Spiritans, Jacob Libermann, himself adopted the name Francis to symbolize the same humility and service to the poor that the new Pope's name represents.

    Duquesne joins with all people of good will in offering our prayers and best wishes for Pope Francis' every success.

    Charles J. Dougherty

    Duquesne University

    Founded in 1878, Duquesne is consistently ranked among the nation's top Catholic research universities for its award-winning faculty and tradition of academic excellence. The University is nationally ranked by U.S. News and World Report and the Princeton Review for its rich academic programs in 10 schools of study for 10,000-plus graduate and undergraduate students, and by the Washington Monthly for service and contributing to students' social mobility. Duquesne is a member of the U.S. President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction for its contributions to Pittsburgh and communities around the globe. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Princeton Review's Guide to Green Colleges acknowledge Duquesne's commitment to sustainability.

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