EUROPE/ITALY - new European University of Rome: Fides puts three short questions to Father Paolo Scarafoni, Rector of the Regina Apostolorum Pontifical College

Friday, 1 October 2004

Rome (Fides Service) - The eternal city has its first European University of Rome a private college with full state recognition. The promoters are the Legionaries of Christ, a religious institute of men founded in Mexico in 1941 which has communities in many countries of the Americas and Europe including Italy where the first Legionaries arrived in Rome in 1950. Today the Legionaries run 22 institutes of university level formation: 12 universities and 158 colleges. This university is the latest link in the network giving it a strong international vocation. Fides asked Father Paolo Scarafoni, L.C., Rector of the Pontifical College Regina Apostolorum about the new university.
Why open a European University of Rome?
Father Scarafoni: The title reveals the international European horizons of this new college. In Europe today our efforts cannot be restricted to one country or place, we must open to broader horizons. It is called European because it is to build the future of Europe; it is called of Rome because it has behind it all the treasures of classical culture and of Christianity which has embraced classical culture and so many other cultures offering the West high ideals which are indispensable reference points for building the new Europe. The name European University of Rome connects the ancient which remains with the new which it intends to help build: the name of Rome calls to mind the best of classical Greek and Roman humanism which Christianity renders sublime.
The goals of the College?
Father Scarafoni: Its goals are the same as other universities: comprehensive formation of students taking into account the many complex factors which are part of integral formation giving the students as persons pride of place; research in humanistic fields. It will offer degrees in four areas philosophy, history, psychology and juridical science to meet present day circumstances and demands such as the need for legislation of values, looking at the past, at history to inspire formation with special attention for the family.
Why Rome?
Father Scarafoni: Rome is perhaps the European city with the highest number of students. This situation makes the initiative possible. The University has no intention of overlapping with other universities. It wishes to have its own personality and proposals and if anyone is interested we will be more than willing to offer this service.
Classes will start in October 2005, this is the stage of preparation. In January academic programmes will be made public and also a number of events to promote this initiative. (AP) (1/10/2004 Agenzia Fides; Righe:39; Parole:443)


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