Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher addressed the Boston College Class of 2026 at the University’s 150th Commencement Exercises on May 1, encouraging graduates to dedicate themselves to service, particularly in politics. Gallagher, who serves as the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, said that while politics may seem an unlikely path for some, it is a profession where individuals can truly help others.
“If you really want to help, if you want to aid others, if you want to serve,” said Archbishop Gallagher, “consider going into politics.” He explained that his role often involves meeting politicians and noted he is “consistently impressed by the sacrifice and commitment to the service of others that I see in them,” even when he does not always agree with their views.
Gallagher acknowledged that public servants do not always have a positive reputation but emphasized their essential work. “It is not easy to be a politician today almost anywhere. The challenges they have to face are enormous and the decisions that they must make are far from easy or simple,” he said. He expressed hope that the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence would inspire more young people toward such roles: “You will not have an easy task, but you will certainly have my admiration, as indeed you have it in graduating today.”
In addition to awarding an honorary Doctor of Laws degree to Archbishop Gallagher, Boston College presented honorary degrees to Glori Alvarez ’88; Joyce M. and William S. Cummings; Sister Jeanette Gaudet; and Mathias Kiwanuka ’05. The ceremony also recognized Ryan Milligan with the Edward H. Finnegan Award for exemplifying BC’s motto “Ever to Excel,” while Professor Thomas Groome received the Saint Robert Bellarmine Award for his distinguished career.
University President William P. Leahy, S.J., presided over his final Commencement before stepping down this summer. In his remarks Monday, Leahy encouraged graduates “to continue drawing from the ideas, perspectives, and ethical norms rooted in Jesuit Catholic beliefs and values.” He urged them “to commit to being beacons of hope and agents of reconciliation” as they move forward.
Reflecting on America’s founding principles during his speech at Commencement, Archbishop Gallagher stated: “Before anything else this nation is built on the firm base of God-given human dignity; everything else flows from there.” He concluded by urging students always “to aid—to help others—needs to be at the core not only of university life but also civil society.” Following commencement exercises at Alumni Stadium, degrees were conferred upon 4,493 undergraduate and graduate students across campus.
