Planned International Symposium of Cape Verde Catholic University an “opportunity for critical reflection”: Official

Sao Vicente, 14 October, 2025 / 3:34 PM

The planned 3rd International Symposium of the Catholic University of Cape Verde (EU Católica) is viewed as a vital platform for “critical academic reflection” on the ethical challenges which modern science poses, particularly in the areas of bioethics, health, and social justice.

In an interview with ACI Africa, the President of the Board of Directors of EU Católica noted that the symposium forms part of the university’s institutional strategy to strengthen scientific production in Cape Verde.

“It is a unique opportunity for critical academic reflection on issues that profoundly challenge human dignity. In a time of rapid scientific and technological transformation, it is vital to recover the ethical foundations of science in favor of life and justice,” Fr. José Eduardo Afonso told ACI Africa about the October 16-18 event.

He noted that the symposium seeks to “reflect on current challenges facing scientific research, especially regarding the relationship between philosophy, bioethics, and the ethical implications of new technologies in human life.” 

Fr. Afonso further said the event also aims to “foster an exchange between national and international researchers “in a critical and interdisciplinary perspective.”

He explained that “the symposium was designed to awaken in participants a deeper awareness of the human and social consequences of contemporary medical practice and scientific research.”

One of its main goals, he said, is to discuss equity in access to healthcare, highlighting the need for real and concrete social justice that goes beyond technical boundaries and “places the human person at the center of ethical decisions.”

The member of the Clergy of Cape Verde’s Santiango Diocese emphasized that “bioethics is not merely a technical field, but a space of deep moral discernment that must consider the social, economic, and cultural realities of peoples.” 

He noted that “Cape Verde’s reality, marked by inequalities in access to healthcare, calls for a critical reflection rooted in the values of Christian humanism.”

“This symposium didn’t just fall from the sky. It is part of a broader vision of EU Católica, which seeks to promote academic excellence in teaching, outreach, and research,” he said.

He lamented that in the Cape Verdean academic environment, scientific research has “unfortunately been poor,” adding that this international symposium is one concrete way the university seeks to reverse the trend. 

“Every year, we bring contemporary and challenging themes that help cultivate a taste for research and deep interdisciplinary reflection. This event also marks the highlight of our academic year’s opening,” he said.

When asked whether issues such as organ transplants, artificial insemination, the creation of embryos outside the human womb, and other biological procedures contrary to Church teaching would be addressed, Fr. Afonso explained that “these themes form part of major debates in contemporary bioethics and, although not discussed exhaustively, will certainly be present in the reflections—especially through lectures on research ethics involving human subjects, medical ontology, and artificial intelligence in medicine.” 

He added that “the Church’s social doctrine will underlie all approaches, always within a dialogue between faith and reason.”

The three-day event, to be held at the EU Católica campus in Praia and in an auditorium in Mindelo, aims to reflect on ethical dilemmas arising from scientific and technological advances, particularly in the fields of medicine, scientific research, social justice, and equity in healthcare.

According to Fr. José Eduardo, the event is expected to open on October 16 with a session presided over by Arlindo Cardinal Gomes Furtado, Grand Chancellor of EU Católica, and is to include an inaugural lecture by Fr. Carlos César Chantre, Vicar General of the Diocese of Faro in Portugal, on “Philosophical and Theological Foundations of Christian Bioethics.” 

The event is also to feature the launch of the Book of Proceedings from the 2nd International Symposium held in 2023.

According to Fr. Afonso, “The symposium also marks the highlight of EU Católica’s academic year opening and aims to foster a culture of scientific research excellence in Cape Verde.”