In the Second Vatican Council the Latin term "conspiratio" is used to refer to those who have the task of confessing, preserving and putting on internship the faith received from the Apostles. In issue 10 of the Constitution "Dei Verbum" we read that this action takes place when "prelates and faithful collaborate closely" ("Antistitum et fidelium conspiratio"). In this text, "conspiratio" is the action of those who "breathe together", that is, of those who share the same spirit in fulfilling a mission statement.

The University of Navarra is one of those enterprises that, starting from the seed laid by St. Josemaría Escrivá, has developed thanks to the fact that many people have understood the Gospel spirit that animates it, which is to provide all the means for those who wish to find a concrete way to develop their professional training , their potential for service to society and their human and Christian personality. The University was started by some pioneers (Ismael Sánchez Bella, José María Albareda, Juan Jiménez Vargas, Federico Suárez, Álvaro D'Ors, and so many others) but there have been thousands of people who have placed it where it is today thanks to their work, study and support. All of them have "breathed together", have encouraged the same spirit that has made them capable of great things.

This is the framework for the recognition that I now wish to express to Monsignor Francisco Perez Gonzalez, who has been Archbishop of our diocese for sixteen years. Francisco arrived at the University, not in his stage of theological training , nor when he defended his doctoral thesis , but when he was appointed by Benedict XVI pastor of this diocesan Church of Pamplona-Tudela. He was taking contact with the various institutions and, among them, with the University of Navarra. But this university is not only an academic institution but also a corporate work of the Prelature of Opus Dei and, therefore, a reality intimately linked to the mission statement of the Church in the world. We were soon able to perceive that our Archbishop was position of what the University of Navarra wants to carry out at the service of society and the Church: to form professionals who are mature people with a vocation of service to society and, if they are Christians, aware of their historical responsibility. During these years we have felt that Bishop Francis has joined in this endeavor, and so we too are very conscious of this "breathing together" in the evangelizing task of the Church in Navarre and in the world.

I would say that the relationship between our Archbishop and the University can be summarized in three words: closeness, availability, partnership.

His closeness has been confirmed not only by the academic authorities, who have found in him encouragement and appreciation, but also by the employees and students. His style leads him to relate to the people he meets at any status, both with those who have high responsibilities and with the ordinary people who move around campus. I have often witnessed how our Archbishop would stop by campus and have a kind and encouraging word with them. I remember, for example, that on one occasion he almost sat down with a group group of students who were having a few beers at La Terraza del Museo.

As for his availability, on numerous occasions he has presided at the inauguration Mass of the University's academic year and it has been rare that, when asked to attend attendance or participate in conference or academic events, his response has been "I cannot". If what was requested coincided with a previous commitment, Bishop Francis immediately sought the most convenient alternative. As Dean of the School of Theology, it has happened to me more than once to have to go to him to ask for help in the sudden absence of a bishop who was committed to some activity. I have always done so with the confidence that, if it was in his power, he would go wherever it was necessary.

Finally, D. Francisco's partnership , more than a direct action, has often been the encouragement of someone who you know understands what we are doing, the understanding of our service and his concrete financial aid in aspects in which the bishop's intervention was necessary or convenient.

At final, as he bids farewell to our diocese after these years of fruitful episcopal ministry, D. Francisco also takes with him from the University of Navarra a deep gratitude and recognition of his spirit of communion, which has led us to "breathe together" to make so many good things possible.

We hope he enjoys his new stage and that we can continue to count on him in what will always be his home.