Strong Recognition from the International Academic Community – CUC Successfully Hosts the FUCE General Assembly

From May 20 to 22, the Catholic University of Croatia hosted the General Assembly of the European Federation of Catholic Universities (FUCE), one of the most important gatherings of Catholic higher education institutions in Europe. Under the title "Inspiring Catholic Universities in Challenging Times," the event brought together 67 rectors from prestigious international universities, including Ramon Llull University in Barcelona, LUMSA in Rome, the Catholic University of Portugal, the Catholic University of Lyon, the Catholic University of Lille, KU Leuven, and many others. The General Assembly also gathered vice-rectors, deans, and experts from sixteen European countries: Spain, Portugal, Poland, France, Hungary, Italy, Germany, Ukraine, Slovakia, Belgium, the Netherlands, Ireland, Austria, Georgia, Lebanon, and Croatia.

Among the distinguished guests were Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education of the Holy See; Cardinal Josip Bozanić, founder of the Catholic University of Croatia and Archbishop Emeritus of Zagreb; Msgr. Dražen Kutleša, Archbishop and Metropolitan of Zagreb and Grand Chancellor of the Catholic University of Croatia; Msgr. Leonardo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to the Republic of Croatia; Professor Elena Beccalli, President of FUCE and Rector of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan; and Professor Josep M. Garrell, President of the European University Association (EUA).

The opening of the General Assembly was attended by Professor Radovan Fuchs, envoy of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia and Minister of Science, Education, and Youth, and Dr. Nina Obuljen Koržinek, Minister of Culture and Media.

In her opening speech, FUCE President Professor Elena Beccalli emphasized that Catholic universities today face numerous challenges, including demographic changes, digital transformation, and increasingly pronounced mental health issues among young people.

In his keynote lecture, Cardinal Tolentino stated that Catholic universities play a key role in building European society through the dialogue of faith, culture, science, and politics. He emphasized that today's "challenging times" should not be a reason for withdrawal but rather an incentive to seek new opportunities and bold responses to contemporary social changes.

Msgr. Dražen Kutleša, Archbishop and Metropolitan of Zagreb and Grand Chancellor of the Catholic University of Croatia, emphasized in his welcoming speech that Catholic universities have an important task to offer orientation and meaning in a time of deep social, cultural, and spiritual challenges in Europe.

During the three-day program, participants discussed key challenges in contemporary higher education, including preserving the identity of Catholic universities, sustainability in the face of demographic changes, digital transformation, and the development of European university alliances and international cooperation. Special emphasis was placed on how Catholic universities can remain faithful to their mission while simultaneously responding to the needs of modern society.

Participants of the General Assembly expressed extremely positive impressions regarding the organization, content, and atmosphere of the meeting, noting that for several days, Zagreb became an important place for dialogue within the European academic community. Rectors, vice-rectors, and representatives of Catholic universities particularly emphasized the importance of such international gatherings for strengthening cooperation between universities, developing joint projects, and preserving the values that Catholic universities promote in contemporary society.

Professor Elena Beccalli, Rector of Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore and President of FUCE, noted that the development of the Catholic University of Croatia in just twenty years is a "true miracle": "The University has developed exceptionally, the campus is beautiful and grows more every year. I am particularly pleased to see the students because they are a sign of hope. We have an important mission – to work on making the world better. We don't need to be the best universities in the world, but the best universities for the world. That is why we must build our identity, which is our greatest strength, and continue to invest in relationships and community," said Beccalli.

Professor Josep Garrell, President of the European University Association (EUA), emphasized that the mission of Catholic universities today is more important than ever. "In a time of great challenges, from sustainability to geopolitical tensions, our task is to educate new generations for values and the common good. The key message of this assembly is unity – this is an excellent opportunity for friends to meet, create alliances, and jointly seek answers to the challenges of today," said Garrell.

Professor Juan Pérez Miranda, Vice-Rector for Internationalization at Francisco de Vitoria University, believes that now is precisely the moment for Catholic universities. "The world faces numerous challenges, but at the same time, there is a desire in society to return to the values that Catholic universities represent. That is why I believe this is the moment to approach these challenges with hope," said Pérez Miranda.

Professor Patrick Scauflaire, Rector of the Catholic University of Lille, praised the Catholic University of Croatia and its campus, highlighting the blend of tradition and modernity. "It is especially nice to see the students who welcomed us. The vision of Catholic universities, focused on the integral development of the person, is both traditional and modern, as well as adaptable to the challenges and changes we face. We discussed artificial intelligence, demographic changes, and the geopolitical situation, and the key message is that we must continue to adapt and move forward even faster," said Scauflaire.

Professor Carlo Gallucci, Vice-Rector for International Relations at Ramon Llull University in Barcelona, emphasized the social responsibility of Catholic universities. "Everyone should contribute to society, but Catholic universities should do so in a special way. Our starting point is always Jesus Christ, who helped the poorest and those most in need. Our task is to professionally educate students but also to raise the leaders of the future. Human relationships are the most important, and this was a beautiful opportunity not only for mutual learning but also for making new acquaintances, which is ultimately what matters most," said Gallucci.

Professor Peter Hanenberg, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation at the Catholic University of Portugal, highlighted the excellent atmosphere during the assembly and the importance of Catholic identity in modern education. "It is wonderful to see so many young people involved in different fields of study. I was particularly impressed by the new and modernly equipped medical faculty. The special mission of Catholic universities is twofold: on one hand, to be a serious university dedicated to research and the transfer of knowledge to new generations, and on the other, to preserve the Catholic identity, values, and heritage that guide our work. It is precisely the recognition of the values of Catholic universities that is our greatest strength for the future and the place where young people find answers they might not find elsewhere," concluded Hanenberg.

On the second day, panels and workshops dedicated to the future of higher education, the role of artificial intelligence, digital challenges, and the social responsibility of universities were held, while the final day was dedicated to the Federation's work and the presentation of new joint projects by FUCE members. A new model for joint degrees at the level of Federation members was presented, aimed at further encouraging international mobility and academic cooperation among Catholic universities in Europe.

Among other joint projects is the summer school, the seventh edition of which, organized by FUCE, will be held this year at the Catholic University of Lille. The goal of the school, which brings together top lecturers and students from across Europe, is to reflect on the cultural, philosophical, and social foundations of the European project and the development of a new European humanism and civic responsibility. Through interdisciplinary modules, participants will discuss European identity, social humanism, the role of culture and history in shaping European consciousness, and the challenges of Europe's future in a contemporary global context. After large and prestigious universities like LUMSA and the Catholic University of Lille, the honor of hosting this summer school for the next three years has been awarded to the Catholic University of Croatia.

In addition to the academic part, General Assembly participants had the opportunity to get to know the cultural and spiritual heritage of Zagreb through an organized city tour, Holy Mass in St. Mark's Church, and an excursion to Krašić, the birthplace of Cardinal Stepinac.

Hosting the FUCE General Assembly represents significant international recognition for the Catholic University of Croatia, which won the bid to organize the assembly last year at the General Assembly in Leuven and Louvain, Belgium. This is also the largest international gathering since the foundation of our University. Holding this meeting in Zagreb is part of the celebration of the upcoming 20th anniversary of the University's foundation.

Text: International Relations Office