"The University should not only adapt to the new circumstances, but should also be at the origin of the changes. This institution is a breeding ground for ideas and projects capable of generating social progress. With these words, Bishop Javier Echevarría, Prelate of Opus Dei and Chancellor the University of Navarra, expressed his opinion on the future and mission statement of the University.

In an interview published by the magazine Nuestro Tiempowhich has a new format and style, Bishop Echevarría pointed out that "the features that the University must preserve in order to continue to be the protagonist of progress are: a vision of the whole, awareness of its own mission statement of service, primacy of the person, innovative spirit and serene administration of time.

In the prelate's opinion, teachers must transmit knowledge that helps students discover "the meaning of their own existence. It is not enough to teach how to produce, to perform, to earn. What is important is to learn to live righteously".

Another issue addressed by the Chancellor is the coexistence of professors and students, nowadays far removed from the old solemnity: " attention must be placed between these axes of coordinates: friendship and respect. This climate facilitates an enriching dialogue between the parties because both have lessons to learn and ideals to share, beyond cultural or religious differences".

On the other hand, he advises university professors to "encourage broadmindedness: to know how to give themselves great books, to follow important current issues, to talk with sincere interest about the work and ideas of our colleagues, to encourage interdisciplinary dialogue, to be docile to the truth and humble of intelligence to start again as many times as necessary".

Among the themes that should concern a Christian researcher , Bishop Echevarría cited "the dignity of the person, human rights, respect for life, the construction of peace and the demands of solidarity. At this point, echoing the concern recently expressed by John Paul II, he encouraged the professionals of the University of Navarra to "study how to resolve the public debt of the countries of the Third World".

When asked what the concerns of a university student should be during the degree program, the Prelate of Opus Dei said that "it is not possible to determine the concerns that students 'should' have because each one is a world, with his or her own staff, personality, talents, interests and concerns. Their only common characteristic is the desire to be formed.

"Many people who turn away from God do so because they do not find anyone to answer their questions on issues such as the limits of scientific progress, the nature of marriage and the family, the causes and remedies of poverty, etc." At this point, the Chancellor pointed out that the University of Navarra "can be a good forum to relaunch the dialogue between faith and culture", essential for the re-evangelization of Europe promoted by the Pope, "without forgetting that the most important thing is that professors and students strive to walk personally close to Christ because in evangelization one of the most convincing arguments is the testimony of one's own conduct".