The world’s 10 oldest universities founded by the Catholic Church still in existence

The 10 Oldest Colleges In The World Founded By The Catholic Church

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The old myth is that The Catholic Church stifled learning in the supposedly “dark” Middle Ages. But the fact is that the Catholic Church actually created the university system during the Medieval Era.

The university system developed around “Cathedral Schools,” which were created to teach theology and canon law to the local clergy. Eventually, these schools developed into universities that accepted scholars from far and wide, so they were essentially precursors to modern colleges. Even the concept of a university granting honorific “degrees” owes its origins to the Church. During this era, a school could only start granting degrees once it had been recognized and approved by the Pope, essentially a pontifical accreditation.

Because of this, the world’s oldest universities were directly founded by the Catholic Church. Here are 10 of the world’s oldest universities founded by the Church:

The University of Bologna

Founded in 1088. Received its university charter from Pope Clement III in 1189.

 

The University of Paris

Founded in 1045.  Received its university charter from Pope Innocent 111 in 1215.

 

The University of Oxford

Founded in 1096. Received its university charter from Pope Innocent IV in 1254.

 

The University of Salamanca

Founded in 1134. Received its university charter from Pope Alexander IV in 1255.

The University of Cambridge

Founded in 1209. Received its university charter from Pope John XXII in 1318.

The University of Siena

Founded in 1240. Received its university charter from Pope Innocent IV in 1252.

The University of Valladolid

Founded in 1241. Received its university charter from Pope Clement VI in 1346.

 

The University of Macerata

Founded in 1290 by
Pope Nicholas IV.

The Sapienza University of Rome

Founded in 1303 by
Pope Boniface VIII.

The University of Perugia

Founded in 1308 by
Pope Clement V.

The amazing part is that all of these venerable institutions are still in existence. But for most of us, traveling across the ocean to attend an 800-year old university to study theology is not practical. Thankfully, you do not need to travel to Europe for a great Catholic theology education. In fact, you do not need to travel at all. With Catholic Distance University you can earn a world class education in theology without ever leaving your home. 

If you want to explore getting your degree in theology online, download a free guide now from Catholic Distance University. At CDU, you can study Sacred Scripture, philosophy, theology, moral principles, the sacramental system, spirituality, Church history, and more, while earning your MA in Theology from one of the oldest, most established, and well respected online universities. 

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