BENEDICT XVI'S GREAT SECULAR DISCOURSES:
Theological discussions in January 2011
ROME, Dec. 9 (Translated from SIR) - The lecture at the University of Regensburg on Sept. 12, 2006, the address to the French world of culture at the College des Bernardins in Paris on Sept. 12, 2008, and the address to British political leaders and cultural representatives on Sept. 17, 2010 - these are the three 'great discourses' by Benedict XVI which will be subject of theological discussions organized by the Office for Pastoral Ministry to Universities of the Vicariate of Rome early next year.
The initiative, subtitled "Cultural prospects for socio-political and economic study, training and commitment", will be held on three evenings at the Sala della Conciliazione of the Lateran Apostolic Palace on January 20, 27 and February 3. Entrance will be free of charge.
On the Regensburg lecture, the evening seminar is entitled "The question of God today: the God of faith and the God of philosophers". Speakers will be Mons. Enrico Del Covolo, SDB, rector of the Pontifical Lateran University; Prof. Francesco D'Agostino, University of Rome at Tor Vergata; and Prof. Giorgio Israel, of La Sapienza University.
On the Bernardins address, the evening is entitled "European culture: Origins and prospects". The speakers are Mons. Sergio Lanza. Assistant Ecclesiastic-General of the Universita Cattolica Sacro Cuore; Prof. Giuseppe Dalla Torre, rector of Rome's LUMSA (Libera Universita Santissima Maria Assunta)' and Prof. Alessandro Ferrara, of the University of Rome Tor Vergata).
On the Westminster address, the evening is entitled "Secularity is not neutrality: A new way for integral human development". The speakers are Mons. Mario Toso, secretary of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace; Prof. Lorenzo Ornaghi, rector of the Universita Cattolica Sacro Cuore in Milan; and Prof. Antonio Marzano, President of Italy's National Council for Economy and Labor.