VATICAN - International Meeting to mark the 40th anniversary of the Vatican II decree Ad gentes on the missionary activity of the Church, promoted by the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples and the Pontifical Urban University

Vatican City (Fides Service) - On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Vatican II decree Ad Gentes on the Church’s missionary activity, the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples and the Pontifical Urban University have organised an international meeting 9 - 11 at the University’s Aula Magna, Via Urbano VIII, 16 - Rome.
The meeting will open on 9 March with an address by Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples followed conferences moderated by the rector of the university Mgr. Ambrogio Spreafico. In the morning: the History and Contents of the Decree Ad gentes (Prof. Gianni Colzani) and the development of the Magisterium from Ad gentes to our day (Fr. Jesus Castellano). In the afternoon there will be two more conferences: Mission and Inculturation (Prof. Juvenal Ilunga) and Mission today and future challenges (Fr. Luis Ladaria). Friday 10 March will focus on “Challenges and prospects for Mission” with as series of talks by people from different continents: for Europe Cardinal Joachim Meisner Archbishop of Cologne (Germany), and Cardinal Vinko Puljic Archbishop of Sarajevo (Bosnia); for Asia, relations with other religions, Archbishop Oswald Gracias of Agra (India), two interventions for Africa: for French speaking countries Archbishop Godefroid Kalond Kananga DR Congo; for English speaking countries Archbishop Antoine Ntalou of Garoua (Cameroon); for Oceania Cardinal George Pell, Archbishop of Sydney (Australia) and for America Bishop Vittorino Girardi of Tilaran (Colombia).
Saturday 11 March the meeting with close with a Mass and an audience has been requested with the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI . (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 1/3/2006; righe 22, parole 272)