Faith and Reason Aid Each Other, Says John Paul II

"In the classical concept, a university could not exist without its theological school, as it would have been incomplete," the Pope told the delegation from the University of Silesia, in Katowice.

"Today this has changed," he said. "It is clear, however, that the presence of the theological sciences, among other areas of study within the university, creates the possibility for a worthwhile exchange of views."

The topic has been a great passion of Karol Wojtyla as an intellectual and pastor, reflected in his 1998 encyclical "Fides et Ratio."

Faith and reason "meet in the quest for truth," the Holy Father said today in the audience with his guests. "They use different tools and methods, but enrich each other in discovering the multiple dimensions of truth."