The Institute’s goal is to facilitate the understanding of the life and work of St. John Paul II in the context of Polish history and culture.
We aim at deepening and enriching the faith of our students through study and prayer and thereby contributing to the renewal of the Church and society.
With students from all over the United States and the world, our graduate program in St. John Paul II studies is the only one of its kind – a comprehensive study of the thought of St. John Paul II, including all of his 14 encyclicals and a capstone pilgrimage to Poland.
Our Polish Studies program offers both an undergraduate minor and graduate certificate, covering Polish history, literature, language, and study abroad.
“The thought of Pope St. John Paul II is a great gift to the Church throughout the world. So is the St. John Paul II Institute at the University of St. Thomas in Houston. The Institute’s work will help ensure that John Paul II’s penetrating insights into the human condition reach the broad audience they deserve.”
-George Weigel, Distinguished Senior Fellow and William E. Simon Chair in Catholic Studies, Ethics and Public Policy Center
