In 1924, Pope Pius XI founded the International Federation of Catholic Universities (FIUC), which today includes 2,000 universities. Marking the 100th anniversary of this event, on January 19, Pope Francis received 150 representatives of the Federation in audience. He urged them to guard against fear that “devours the soul” and to work for the transformation of the world.
Jānis Evertovskis – Vatican
In the address, which was received in written form by those present, the Pope emphasizes the importance of their mission. The Catholic University is one of the best tools the Church offers today to express God’s love for every person. According to St. Augustine, this love of God must be understood as “appetitus”, as a desire, a desire for God. Therefore, Francis urges Catholic universities: “Do not lose your appetite! Catholic universities must not replace desire with functionalism or bureaucracy”. Even if they aim to award academic degrees and “build competitive careers”, they must not forget to “facilitate the discovery of fruitful vocations, inspire paths of authentic living and integrate the contribution of each individual into the creative dynamics of communities”.
The International Federation of Catholic Universities was created “after the terrible war” as an instrument to promote reconciliation, peace and love among people. Today, unfortunately, “we celebrate your anniversary against the backdrop of war, so it is essential that Catholic universities play a leading role in promoting a culture of peace in all its diverse dimensions,” says the Bishop of Rome.
Today, when education is also becoming a business, the institutions of the Church must show that they have a different character and that they develop according to other principles in their search for truth. The Pope calls on those present not to give in to fear. “The temptation to lock yourself in the walls, in a safe social bubble, avoiding risks or cultural challenges, turning your back on the complex reality, may seem like the safest path,” he writes. “It’s just an illusion! Fear consumes the soul. Never surround the university with walls of fear. Do not let the Catholic university merely repeat the typical walls of the society in which we live – walls of inequality, dehumanization, intolerance and indifference, so many models that aim to reinforce individualism and do not contribute to fraternity”.
The Pope invites us to ask ourselves the following questions: Who needs our science? What is the potential of the knowledge we create? Who do we serve? Neutrality is an illusion – he points out. A Catholic university must make choices – choices that reflect the Gospel. It must take its stand and clearly show its actions, evangelically “getting its hands dirty” to transform the world and serve people.
At the end of the address, the Pope invites all representatives of the academic environment to help the Church engage in a bold dialogue on contemporary issues, how to help discover the richness of Christian inspiration, using a way of expression open to new generations and new times, as well as to help see the new frontiers of thought, science and technology, to bring balance to everything and approach everything with wisdom.
2024-01-20 10:14:34
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