Tung Jen

Fu Jen Catholic University, initially established in Beijing in 1925 by Benedictine monks at the behest of the Holy See, was later re-established in Taiwan in 1961 under Pope John XXIII's directive. It is recognized as the oldest Catholic and Jesuit-affiliated higher education institution in the Sinophone world, operating under the direct authority of the Congregation for Catholic Education.

The university has played a significant role in academic and diplomatic spheres. It was one of the few institutions in Beijing not occupied by Japanese forces during the Sino-Japanese War and has acted as a non-state actor in Holy See-Taiwan relations. Fu Jen is distinguished by its academic offerings, including early programs in Italian language, info-management, museology, religious studies, and philosophy. It also boasts Taiwan's first accredited business school and pioneered problem-based learning in medical education. The university's philosophical tradition emphasizes Scholasticism and incorporates Confucian thought, opposing relativism.

The origins of Fu Jen Catholic University trace back to 1925 in Beijing, established by Benedictine monks from St. Vincent Archabbey in Pennsylvania, following a request from the Holy See. Initially known as the Catholic University of Peking, it succeeded the Fu Jen Academy, founded by Catholic scholars Ma Xiangbo and Ying Lianzhi. The university faced challenges during the Great Depression, leading to its administration passing to the Society of the Divine Word in Germany in 1933. This affiliation provided a degree of protection during the Sino-Japanese War. After World War II, the university continued to develop, but its operations were disrupted by the Communist government's consolidation of power in 1952, leading to its merger with other institutions. The university's history was interrupted for about a decade before its re-establishment in Taiwan in 1961, initiated by Pope John XXIII.

Upon its re-establishment in Taiwan, Fu Jen Catholic University was led by Paul Yu Pin and supported by the Chinese Regional Bishops' Conference, the Society of Jesus, and the Society of the Divine Word. Its academic curriculum initially drew heavily from Western history, medieval philosophy, Christian thought, and European languages, making it unique in Taiwan for its comprehensive integration of Western intellectual traditions with local culture. The university's philosophical stance, influenced by Scholasticism and Paul Yu Pin's "Three Kinds of Knowing," aims to develop a Catholic philosophy that synthesizes Confucianism and actively counters relativistic viewpoints. This focus on integrating faith and reason, alongside a broad range of disciplines, has shaped its academic identity.

Fu Jen Catholic University holds a significant international standing, being directly overseen by the Congregation for Catholic Education and serving as a conduit for diplomacy between the Holy See and Taiwan. Its historical ties with the Roman Curia are strong, with various Benedictine, Verbit, and Jesuit orders participating in its governance over the years. The university has expanded considerably since the 1990s, now comprising twelve colleges, a hospital, and over 25,000 students. It has been recognized for initiatives such as reducing tuition fees and pioneering interdisciplinary programs in its medical college, focusing on areas like biotechnology, medical translation, and robotic surgery. Its impact extends to diplomatic engagements, with university leadership often accompanying Taiwanese presidents on visits to the Holy See.