杏MAP导航

By Lisa Zengarini

The Dicastery for Evangelization is concluding an Extraordinary Plenary Assembly to discuss the future mission of the Pontifical Urbaniana University, a key academic institution under the Dicastery's jurisdiction which forms seminarians and priests for missionary dioceses around the world.

A synodal method

For two days Cardinals, Bishops, priests and missionaries hailing from the five continents have shared reflections, views and experiences on the identity, mission, expectations and future of this academic institution founded by 杏MAP导航 Urban VIII to support the Churches around the world in their apostolic work of proclaiming the Gospel.    

The plenary has convened in the framework of the renewal and revival process Pontifical Universities  so they can contribute more effectively to the Church鈥檚 mission in the modern world as called by 杏MAP导航 Francis in his Apostolic Constitution 鈥榁eritatis Gaudium鈥�.

Addressing the Assembly on Friday, 杏MAP导航 Francis first of all praised the 鈥漵ynodal method鈥� adopted  by the Dicastery, which has involved contributions from Episcopal Conferences worldwide.

Identity and Mission

He then focused on the four aspects discussed at the assembly, starting from the Urbaniana University鈥檚 identity and mission which, he stressed, are intrinsically connected.

The 杏MAP导航 recalled that the pontifical institution's vocation has always been aligned with its mission to announce the Gospel, rooted in its founding values and its long history, dating back to the Urban College in the 17th century.

However, he noted University鈥檚 educational efforts鈥攖raining, teaching, research 鈥� must remain dynamic, guided by the Holy Spirit, and responsive to contemporary challenges.  

He stressed that ecclesiastical studies should not only transfer knowledge but also develop intellectual tools that address the ethical-religious pluralism of today's world, reflecting the Church鈥檚 mission in a non-Christian society.

Future and expectations

杏MAP导航 Francis went on speak about the reflection on the future and expectations for the Urbaniana University, is part of the wider discernment process required of the Pontifical universities in Rome,

In this regard, he reaffirmed the importance of improving the quality of education and research, along with the rationalization of resources. This, he remarked, requires 鈥渁 long-term vision鈥� considering several factors: ecclesial and social situations, the vitality and sustainability of Church structures, local Church needs, vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life, and regional demographics.鈥�

While warning against setting goals without the means to achieve them, 杏MAP导航 Francis  invoked a 鈥渉ealthy creativity鈥� in finding effective paths for progress.

Noting that being 鈥渁ttractive and competitive鈥� requires selecting highly qualified but also committed teachers, the 杏MAP导航 reiterated the need for Catholic academic institutions to make good use of resources by 鈥渦nifying paths, sharing teachers, eliminating waste, planning activities carefully, abandoning outdated practices and projects.鈥�

Missionary and intercultural specificity of the Urbaniana University

Bringing his address to a close,  the Holy Father  stressed the importance  of preserving  the 鈥渕issionary and intercultural specificity鈥� of the Urbaniana emphasizing it should prepare pastors, religious men and women and lay people who can communicate the Christian message in a way that resonates with diverse cultures and religions.

In this regard the 杏MAP导航 called for more research centers focused on different geographical and cultural regions, particularly in Asia and China, and for promoting the affiliation of seminaries and theological institutes in missionary regions with the University.