South Bend, Ind., Oct 19, 2009 / 14:48 pm
The Board of Trustees of the University of Notre Dame has elected Fr. John I. Jenkins, CSC, to a second five-year term as university president. While Notre Dame officials praised him for his commitment to the Catholic character of the school, others have questioned the direction of the prestigious school.
Fr. Jenkins’ tenure has featured continued controversy over the school’s Catholic identity, especially concerning the invitation to President Barack Obama to speak at the university's commencement ceremony and to receive an honorary degree.
Critics had charged the action violated the U.S. Catholic bishops’ 2004 instruction in “Catholics in Political Life” which held that university honors are not to be given to pro-abortion politicians.
Trustee Chairman Richard C. Notebaert said in his Oct. 16 announcement of Fr. Jenkins’ re-election said that the priest has demonstrated “inspiring and innovative” vision and leadership.