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  • ISSN 2773-7357
  • hozpino@indecsar.org
  • Guayaquil, Ecuador
Revista Mundo Financiero

The Major, Royal and Pontifical University of San Francisco Xavier of Chuquisaca

2020-09-07

Who are we?

The Universidad Mayor, Real y Pontificia de San Francisco Xavier de Chuquisaca is a Bolivian public university. Located in Sucre, the capital of Bolivia, it is the oldest university in the country. It was founded on March 27, 1624, as the Royal and Pontifical University of San Francisco Xavier.

"The ultimate value of all institutions is their educational influence." - John Dewey

The Universidad Mayor, Real y Pontificia de San Francisco Xavier de Chuquisaca (USFX), founded in 1624, is one of the oldest universities in Latin America and has played a crucial role in the history of Bolivia. Originating in Charcas (present-day Sucre) through a papal bull and a royal document, it became a training center for elites and a driving force in the struggle for university independence and autonomy.

 

The Major, Royal and Pontifical University of San Francisco Xavier of Chuquisaca (USFX),Founded in 1624, it is one of the oldest universities in Latin America and has played a crucial role in the history of Bolivia.Originating in Charcas (present - day Sucre) through a papal bull and a royal document, it became a training center for elites and a driving force in the struggle for university independence and autonomy.      Foundation and beginnings:
  • The USFX was founded on March 27, 1624, through a papal bull of Gregory XV and a royal document of Philip III.   
  • Father Juan Frías de Herrán, of the Society of Jesus, was the main driving force behind its foundation.   
  • Initially, studies in Scholastic Theology, Moral Theology, Philosophy, Latin and Aymara were offered.   
  • In 1681, the chair of Canon Law was added, laying the foundation for the Faculty of Law.   
Historical role:
  • The university became a training center for priests and scholars, vital to the colonial structure.   
  • He played an important role in the events of 1809 in Charcas, which triggered the struggle for Spanish American independence.   
  • It was the first Bolivian university to obtain autonomy in 1930, after arduous struggles.   
  • It has remained a bastion in the defense of democracy and the fight for civil rights.   
Legacy and present:
  • The USFX has trained numerous Bolivian political, scientific, and intellectual leaders.   
  • It has promoted regional development and maintained ties with universities in America and Europe.   
  • Today, it remains a benchmark institution in Bolivian higher education.   
  • The university celebrates 400 years of existence, highlighting its impact on academic training and its contribution to the cultural and social development of Bolivia, according to San Francisco Xavier University.