Since 1992, the University of Naples has been named after Federico II in recognition of its centuries-old origins dating back to 5th June 1224, when the Svevia emperor and later king of Sicily passed an edict issued in Syracuse. Unlike the universities of Bologna and other cities, the Neapolitan University was founded upon an imperial act aimed at forming ruling groups that were necessary for governing the State. This secular background, however, did not prevent the Church from intervening heavily in its cultural endeavours.