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Addressing almost 300 graduates at the Pontifical University’s graduation ceremony on 7 November, Archbishop Martin, Chancellor of the University and Primate of All Ireland, urged newly qualified philosophers, theologians, educators and pastors to embrace peacemaking as an essential part of their future vocations.
Drawing on the legacy of Pope Saint John Paul II’s historic World Day of Prayer for Peace at Assisi in 1986, Archbishop Martin highlighted the importance of interreligious dialogue and cooperation.
He welcomed a recent message from Pope Leo XIV marking the 40th anniversary of the Assisi gathering, in which the Pope expressed concern at the “troubling revival of war as an instrument of international politics”.
Archbishop Martin said graduates should have the courage to become what Pope Leo described as “unarmed instruments of peace”, emphasising that sustained dialogue, particularly with those holding differing opinions, could help overcome violence, protect vulnerable people and safeguard humanity’s future.
“Peace is everyone’s responsibility,” he said, adding that people working in pastoral, philosophical and educational fields had a particular responsibility to pray and work for reconciliation.
He also encouraged graduates to engage critically with artificial intelligence, highlighting its growing influence across workplaces, education, healthcare, public services, economies and democracies.
Referring to Pope Leo’s first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, Archbishop Martin stressed that human dignity must remain central amid technological developments.
He said graduates had a responsibility to defend the sacredness of human life and the dignity of every person, warning against reducing individuals to data that could be copied or manipulated.
The Chancellor also congratulated the College on a significant development in its academic standing, following a recommendation by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) that Saint Patrick’s be awarded Listed Awarding Body (LAB) status. The recognition will allow its awards to be recognised by both Ireland and the Holy See.
Archbishop Martin recalled his own graduation from Maynooth in 1986, noting the significant changes in the world over the past four decades, while acknowledging that conflict and the pursuit of peace remain enduring challenges.
He concluded by congratulating the graduates and wishing them every blessing in their future endeavours, praying that “the peace of the Lord” would accompany them and bring continued success to their work.
To read Archbishop Martin’s address in full, please click HERE