Cardinal Grech: intergenerational dialogue necessary for Church’s future

By Vatican News staff writer

The name of the event dedicated to Africa’s young people from Catholic institutions of higher learning is: “Building Bridges Across Africa: A Synodal Encounter Between Pope Francis and University Students.”

The meeting will take place on 1 November at 3 p.m. CEST; the Pope will join in a virtual dialogue with students and professors from African universities.

The 24 February last year, the meeting was held for the first time with students from North and Latin America and was hosted by Loyola University Chicago.

It will take place once more on 1 November at 3 p.m. CEST; the Pope will join in a virtual dialogue with students and professors from African universities.

The "synodal encounter," as it is being presented, will specifically involve three African professors, one American professor and ten students in a discussion entitled "Ubuntu: a culture of encounter; we all belong" organized by the Pan-African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network (PACTPAN) in collaboration with the Pontifical Commission for Latin America and under the sponsorship of the General Secretariat of the Synod.

The future is key

"If the Church cuts the young generation out of its life, it is condemned to bleed to death," Cardinal Mario Grech, General Secretary of the Synod, says in a video message to participants.

The basis on which to build the future of the Church is the open relationship between the elderly and the young, so often stressed by Pope Francis, the Cardinal continued: "They said that young people have the power to open the doors of the future, but adults hold the key to the future. So, it is important to enter into this intergenerational dialogue."

The event will be live-streamed from Nairobi and can be followed on the Vatican News portal and YouTube channel in three languages: English, French and Spanish.