Cardenal José Cobo presides Eucharist at San Dámaso

Cardinal José Cobo, the archbishop of Madrid, presided over a Mass at the Almudena Cathedral and an academic ceremony at the Conciliar Seminary to mark the start of the new academic year at San Dámaso University.

University rector Nicolás Álvarez de las Asturias reported that the institution has surpassed 2,000 enrollments for the current course. During the ceremony, Álvarez de las Asturias noted that the previous year was marked by a visit from Pope Leo XIV and the CONVIVIUM presbyteral assembly. He stated that the upcoming academic year will focus on the theme of a tree, representing the Archdiocese of Madrid's preparation for the Diocesan Assembly, and emphasized the need for rigorous research to avoid superficiality in pastoral action.

The university also plans to inaugurate the new Leo XIV Library in the crypt of the Basilica of San Francisco el Grande during this academic year. Rector Álvarez de las Asturias described the library as one of the most significant academic projects undertaken by the university in recent decades. The facility will provide 152 study spaces. Luis Sánchez Navarro was recently appointed as the director of the library.