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

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.

More in Africa

Missionary Congregation Joins Call for Prayers for 265 Children still Held after Nigerian School Abductions

Read the article

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.”

João Vissesse is an Angolan Journalist with a passion and rich experience in Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate.