Pontifical Universities in Rome Host Conference Celebrating St. John Paul II’s Legacy

The Vatican Dicastery for Culture and Education is hosting a four-day event in Rome to commemorate the spiritual and intellectual contributions of Pope Saint John Paul II. This event celebrates the 25th anniversary of his encyclical, “Fides et Ratio,” which emphasizes the relationship between faith and reason. Released in 1998 during his 20th year of papacy, the document articulates faith and reason as essential for understanding truth and seeking God.

Organized by the John Paul II Vatican Foundation, the Church and Hospice of Saint Stanislaus Martyr in Rome, alongside the Pontifical John Paul II University of Krakow, the forum titled “Days of Saint John Paul II at the Pontifical Universities of Rome” will take place from November 26-29. The Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, also known as the “Angelicum,” in conjunction with two other pontifical universities, will host seminars focusing on John Paul II’s teachings across various themes.

The conference will cover topics such as faith and reason compatibility, insights from the pontifical study commission on the Galileo case, and the importance of intergenerational dialogue in cultural development. Sister Mary Angela Woelkers, SCTJM, emphasized the event as the first of its kind, intended for annual reflection on John Paul II’s legacy and the relevance of “Fides et Ratio” to contemporary challenges.

Sister Woelkers highlighted John Paul II’s profound understanding of youth’s potential to embody and witness their faith, especially in times of spiritual crisis. Father Benedict Croell OP, representing the Angelicum, noted the personal connection students have with John Paul II, who once walked the same corridors and studied the same truths as they do today.

He expressed hope that the conference would motivate students to emulate John Paul II by leveraging faith and reason to tackle modern issues. The significance of his legacy for both the Church and society remains paramount, emphasizing the continued dialogue inspired by his teachings.

Key speakers at the event include Richard Swinburne, an eminent philosopher from Oxford University, and Father Melchor Sánchez de Toca Alameda, a Vatican official associated with the Dicastery for Culture and Education, illustrating the depth and breadth of perspectives presented during the forum.

The conference honors Pope Saint John Paul II’s legacy through a focused dialogue on the interplay of faith and reason as articulated in his encyclical, “Fides et Ratio.” With discussions on pertinent contemporary issues, it aims to inspire the youth to embody and witness their faith. Organized by notable institutions, the event is a significant reflection on past teachings and their relevance for current and future generations.

About Olivia Chen

Olivia Chen is a dedicated journalist and cultural critic with a rich background in Asian studies and comparative literature. With over a decade of experience writing for influential publications, she adeptly examines cultural narratives and their implications. Olivia’s insightful commentary has made her a prominent figure in contemporary journalism, and her articles have sparked important conversations about identity and representation in media.

View all posts by Olivia Chen →

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *