Commemorating 20 Years of Theology Faculty of Triveneto: Pope Francis’ Call to Spread Christ’s Message

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

As the Theology Faculty of Triveneto in northern Italy celebrates its twentieth anniversary, Pope Francis urges educators and students to carry forward the message of Christ in the contemporary world while staying true to tradition and being open to new perspectives.

In a letter addressed to the Rector of the institution, Father Maurizio Girolami, the Pope emphasized the importance of faithfully transmitting Christ’s message and the Church’s mission in today’s world.

The Theological Faculty of Triveneto, based in Padua, is a network of five theological institutes and seven superior institutes of religious sciences in the regions of Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and Trentino Alto-Adige. Established in 2005, the Faculty provides academic theological education to laypeople, clergy, seminarians, and religious.

Reflecting on the Faculty’s achievements over the past two decades, Pope Francis expressed gratitude for the positive impact it has had on younger generations in the region.

Upholding Tradition and Embracing Change

The Pope encouraged the academic community to continue collaborating with the Church’s mission and to convey Christ’s message faithfully while adapting to the current context. He stressed the importance of facing new challenges to convey the Gospel truth effectively to modern society.

“I encourage the entire academic family to persevere in its collaboration with the mission of the Church, to spread the message of Christ in the world, faithful to the genuine tradition, but open to reading the signs of the times”

Pope Francis urged the Faculty to serve as a vital platform for education, not only through theological studies but also through personal Christian witness. He expressed hope that teachers would guide young individuals towards realizing their potential based on the values of truth, goodness, and beauty rooted in God.

In conclusion, the Pope extended his gratitude for the Faculty’s dedication to education and invoked the protection of Mary upon their endeavors, imparting his Apostolic Blessing.