You wrote:
“At one time I would suspect that the local diocese held the deeds to these universities.”
I don’t see how that is possible. These universities were all started by orders. They, therefore, are not owned by dioceses.
***I don’t see how that is possible. These universities were all started by orders. They, therefore, are not owned by dioceses.***
That is correct. The bishop is responsible for religious teaching. But he is not responsible for the ordered universities in his diocese.