Academics gather in the Vatican for International Meeting of Meaning

By Lisa Zengarini

A host of rectors from world-leading universities, renowned academics, cultural figures and influential young people are gathered in the Vatican this week for a three-day international conference.

The event is organized by the Pontifical Foundation Scholas Occurrentes, along with the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF), in the framework of the University of Meaning (Universidad del Sentido).

This Vatican-based university, sponsored by Pope Francis and managed by the Scholas Occurrentes International Educational Movement, was established with the aim of addressing some critical issues which have been exacerbated by the contemporary global crisis of meaning, such as the impact of technology, the environment, and mental health.

The International Meeting of Meaning comes on the heel of the collaboration between Scholas and CAF, which has included notable educational initiatives, including the launch of the first Laudato Sí School in May 2022.

That initiative saw 50 young representatives from various Latin American and Caribbean countries come together to discuss pressing environmental and social issues.

Furthermore, in May 2023, Scholas and CAF organized the first World Congress of “Eco-Educational Cities,” which brought together some 50 mayors from Latin America and Europe, to promote and disseminate sustainable development throughout the educational methodology developed by the educational movement and the experiences carried out by young people in their communities in light of  Pope Francis' idea of “integral ecology” proposed in his Encyclical Laudato si.’"

The outcome of these previous initiatives’ progress will be discussed during the three-day meeting.

The final session of the conference will take place on Thursday afternoon, 23 May, in the Old Synod Hall, where the participants will present their findings and recommendations to Pope Francis.