UNIVERSITIES, A CONSTANT REFERENCE TO CHRISTIANITY

VATICAN CITY, APR 1, 2006 (VIS) - At midday today, Benedict XVI received participants in a seminar which has been meeting to consider the theme: "The cultural heritage and academic values of European universities, and the attraction of the European Higher Education Area." The event, organized by the Congregation for Catholic Education in collaboration with UNESCO-CEPES, is being held in the Vatican's New Synod Hall from March 30 to April 1.

  In his address to them, the Pope recalled how many European universities, such as Bologna, Paris, Krakow, Salamanca, Cologne, Oxford and Prague, "played an important role in consolidating the identity of Europe and in forming the continent's cultural heritage. The university institutions always stood out for their love of knowledge and search for truth, with constant reference to the Christian vision that recognizes in man the masterwork of creation."

  Going on to refer to the cultural challenges facing Europe today as the continent is "involved in the rediscovery of its own identity, an identity that is not merely economic or political," the Holy Father touched on the subject of anthropology. It is necessary, he said, "to clarify what is the concept of man that lies at the foundation of the new projects. ... At the service of what man must universities operate? Of the individual dedicated to the defense of his own interests, or of the person open to solidarity with others in a search for the true meaning of existence?"

  Benedict XVI also indicated the need to investigate the nature of the relationship between human beings on the one hand and science and technology on the other, while bearing in mind the most recent technological advances. "It must be made very clear," he said, "that human beings can never be sacrificed to the success of science and technology."

  The Pope concluded by emphasizing "the special role of universities. In the current situation, they are called upon not to content themselves just with teaching, but also to undertake an attentive educational role at the service of the new generations, drawing on that heritage of ideals and values that marked past millennia. Thus universities can help Europe to conserve its 'soul,' revitalizing those Christian roots that gave origin to the continent"
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