Universidade Católica Portuguesa hosts the 4th International Congress on Care of Creation, entitled "Youth commitment to integral ecology - Lifestyles for a new humanity", in the context of World Youth Day, on 31 July.

Organised by the John Paul II Foundation for Youth, an instrumental body of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, this meeting aims to stimulate encounter and dialogue between the young participants and the experts who will present their reflections on five areas of human life: economy - education and family life - natural resources - politics - technology. 

With the presence of Isabel Capeloa Gil, President of Universidade Católica, and the Auxiliary Bishop of Lisbon, Américo Aguiar, President of the WYD Lisbon 2023 Foundation, the meeting will focus on the theme of the protection of Creation. 

This is one of the main causes defended by Pope Francis, who invites everyone, and in particular young people, to become aware of the challenges that he himself highlighted with the encyclical Laudato si' and to seek ways to promote a culture of protection of Creation.  

This international congress, which will be attended by young university delegates from Episcopal Conferences, international Movements and Associations and Catholic Universities, will produce a final Manifesto that will serve as a basis for further action and reflection, as in previous editions.

 

Check the Programme here..

During the week of World Youth Day, Pope Francis being in Lisbon, Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP) is set to host a transformative event, The Home for the Economy of Francesco, aimed at addressing pressing economic and ecological challenges through the lens of fraternity and solidarity.

This initiative, inspired by Pope Francis' call to a new economy, emphasizes the urgent need to promote integral ecology and cultivate a more just and sustainable economy. The event will span for the whole week from July 31st to August 4th and will focus on the main themes of Pope Francis' pontificate - Integral Ecology, Universal Fraternity and Economics, and the Common Good.

The Home for the Economy of Francesco opens with the 4th International Congress on the Care of Creation: Youth Commitment to integral ecology. Lifestyles for a new humanity promoted by the Fondazione Giovanni Paolo II per la Gioventú. The congress is organised in a way that will bring young participants together with experts who will offer their reflections on five areas of human life: the economy, education and family life, natural resources, politics, and technology. This meeting will be “inhabited” by virtual experiences through the use of metaverse immersive technology, allowing participation in the meeting to be more inclusive and accessible.

Furthermore, The Home for the Economy of Francesco will feature exhibitions and artistic performances that showcase innovative solutions, initiatives, and projects aligned with a vision for sustainable development for all. Participants will have the unique opportunity to engage in thought-provoking discussions, talks, and interactive sessions to make a positive impact in their communities. On August 3rd and 4th, distinguished speakers, including renowned economist Father Gael Giraud, S.J., and former Minister of Justice and Human Rights of Argentina Gustavo Béliz will share their insights on topics ranging from environmental preservation and social justice to the role of economics in fostering a more equitable society.

By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, UCP aims to spark meaningful change and inspire the next generation of leaders to tackle the world's most pressing issues. The Home for the Economy of Francesco at our University promises to be a milestone event, inspiring concrete actions towards a more just future.

Learn more about the events during WYD here

Católica joins World Youth Day Lisbon 2023 through the Pilgrim Welcome Centre, between July 15 and August 6, where pilgrims will check-in and receive their kits. The campus will also host, from 1 to 6 August, the Francis Economy House, with talks, workshops and conversations with Francis Economy entities.

These initiatives will involve various access restrictions to the buildings and services of the Palma de Cima Campus.

Check all the restrictions and events related to Católica in WYD

The Universidade Católica Portuguesa will receive the visit of Pope Francis on August 3, at 9 a.m., for the Meeting with University Students.

Registration is now closed, however, the Meeting can be watched via streaming on the Facebook page of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa.

At this Meeting with University Students, the Holy Father will hear testimonies from refugee students and young people involved in the "Global Education Pact", "The Economy of Francesco" initiative and the implementation of the encyclical Laudato si'. This will be followed by a speech by His Holiness, a prayer, the blessing of the first stone of the new campus of Católica (Campus Veritati) and the participation of the Choir of UCP.

This meeting, which is part of Pope Francis' official visit in the context of World Youth Day Lisbon 2023, is expected to be attended by around 7,000 people.

Only those who are registered and have received the QR Code can access the venue.

 More information

If you have any questions, please send an e-mail to ucpduvidas@encontropapafrancisco.pt.