In Belgium, Pope Francis will visit the University of Leuven, that marks its 600th anniversary this year. Founded in 1425, this prestigious Catholic university was split into two separate buildings and identities in the late 1960s: the Flemish-speaking (Dutch) Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, based in Leuven, with 65,000 students, and the French-speaking Université Catholique de Louvain, based in Louvain-la-Neuve and Brussels, with over 20,000 students. The Pope will visit the former on Friday and the latter on Saturday.
The university, with a marked international vocation, has a distinguished record of contributions to Belgian and European culture. In light of Pope Bergoglio’s presence among the student body and faculty, Professor Arnaud Join-Lambert (in the photo) – a theologian trained at the universities of Trêves and Freiburg, as well as the Institut Catholique in Paris – offers insights into the themes and questions prompted by this visit. Professor Join-Lambert teaches at the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies and at the Institut de recherche pluridisciplinaire Religions, Spiritualités, Cultures, Sociétés at the Catholic University of Louvain-la-Neuve. He has made a significant contribution to the field of practical theology, pastoral care, liturgy, and has actively engaged in the Belgian Church on matters pertaining to the Synod.
The Athenaeum and the “plural society”. Professor Join-Lambert identifies two pivotal aspects pertinent to Francis’ visit. “The first point pertains to the 600th anniversary of the University of Leuven,” he states. “What is the role and function of universities in society at large, and that of Catholic universities in particular? How may we facilitate the promotion of coexistence in a plural society lacking established points of reference and exhibiting internal fragmentation? How can fundamental and applied research contribute to the transformations underway?” asks Arnaud.
“The Pope offers valuable insight on this matter, particularly with regard to the subject of ecological transition, which will be the focus of his meeting with students on Saturday in Louvain-la-Neuve.”
“There is also the question of theology as a university discipline. The two faculties, in Leuven in Flanders and in Louvain-La-Neuve, are high-ranking faculties with considerable international influence. This raises the question of their standing in Belgium, their place in society as well as in the same university. How do our theology faculties contribute to reflection, to the search for meaning in a society that has lost its bearings, in universities subject to profit-making pressure?”
Three “dimensions”. “The relationship between the Church and society” is another major theme. “I see three dimensions in the Pope’s visit. On the one hand, Belgium is characterised by a widespread popular Catholicism, which is very dear to Pope Francis. More than 50% of the population identify as Catholic, but this claim is also watered down by a very blurred religious identity for most people. In what way are the Christian communities a resource for addressing the major questions relating to the life of these Catholics outside Christian communities but within Belgian Catholic society?” Secondly, the professor continues, “the Catholic Church is deeply involved in promoting a culture of welcome and encounter, with a special focus on vulnerable people and migrants. This was a significant factor for Cardinals Danneels and De Kesel, as well as for all eight current bishops, including Archbishop Terlinden. Catholic schools play an important role in this regard, as nearly 60 per cent of children and young people in Belgium attend these schools, slightly more in Flanders than in the French community.”
He pointed out:
“The Pope is concerned not only with the transmission of the faith, but also with accompanying the younger generations”.
Finally, “the third dimension of the Pope’s Apostolic visit is to encourage the faithful and revitalise communities. Despite major projects and initiatives, many Christian communities, both parishes and religious communities, are marked by ageing members and a decline in enthusiasm. We run a research workshop at the Catholic University of Leuven, called Ecclesialab, which identifies and supports these new ecclesial places of hope”.
From Ratzinger to Bergoglio. Professor Arnaud concluded: “Pope Francis will make a precious contribution to what Benedict XVI envisioned for Europe when he invited local communities to become dynamic, creative minorities. The Belgian Church is a vibrant and thriving Church, but greater dynamism and hope should be infused into it.”
