Research in the Catholic University: Contributions from the Franciscan-humanist spirit

Universities or institutions of higher education shape their identity, among other aspects, through the deployment of the potential offered by the research exercise, taking positions or emphasizing according to state or private interests, in different directions. In this scenario, "Catholic" universities have a characteristic way of conceiving and promoting research, giving a clear response to the needs of the context and cultures, while at the same time assuming the evangelizing mission of the Church. After outlining the task of university research and ecclesial contributions for the fulfillment of this purpose, Its will be considered the potential inherent in the Franciscan tradition understood as a "spirit" that, faithful to the Gospel, open to knowledge and committed to the person and society, is configured as a humanism.