European Catholic universities facing the challenges of our times

The demographic crisis, digital transformation, and the vulnerability of younger generations. These are the main issues addressed during the European Federation of Catholic Universities (FUCE) General Assembly, which is being held in Zagreb from Wednesday 20 May, to Friday 22 May, hosted by the Catholic University of Croatia to mark the 20th anniversary of its foundation.

Under the title “Inspiring Catholic Universities in Challenging Times”, the Assembly brings together rectors and managers from the FUCE for three days; since June 2025, the FUCE has been led by Elena Beccalli, Rector of Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. This is a significant event for the federation – comprising 61 universities and a network of around 595,000 students – which is increasingly committed to addressing complex challenges that require joint responses.

Among those attending will be the Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education of the Holy See, Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça; the Archbishop Emeritus of Zagreb, Cardinal Josip Bozanić; the Archbishop of Zagreb and Grand Chancellor of the Catholic University of Croatia, Monsignor Dražen Kutleša; the Minister of Science, Education and Youth, Radovan Fuchs; and the Minister of Culture and Media, Nina Obuljen Koržinek.

The programme - comprising keynote lectures, thematic panels, workshops on best practices, and networking sessions – addresses the major changes currently affecting higher education. A wide range of topics will be explored, including the sustainability of university models, demographic challenges, digital transformation, and the role of Catholic universities in European alliances and global academic networks. In particular, discussions will focus on how Catholic educational institutions can respond to academic, social and geopolitical changes, whilst remaining faithful to their mission and identity in increasingly competitive contexts. The Assembly will also provide a forum for dialogue on the contribution that Catholic higher education can make to building the common good, fostering social cohesion and promoting human dignity.

 “Universities have the responsibility to bring about a paradigm shift, becoming places where not only are skills or concepts transmitted but where knowledge is also experienced, thereby highlighting the cultural value of education,” says the FUCE President, Elena Beccalli. “There is no ranking capable of measuring the effect of this new educational paradigm, though its impact on society is clearly visible. The resilience of universities, particularly Catholic ones, will depend on their ability to foster their identity without becoming like secular institutions. This means competing on the basis of value grounded in values, safeguarding higher education from a conception driven by market logic.”

Photo by © Catholic University of Croatia