The Church Up Close. O Vaticano por dentro e in loco, 3rd edition of the Seminar in Portuguese
From September 28 to 30, the seminar O Vaticano por dentro e in loco took place, an initiative now in its third edition, aimed at Portuguese-speaking journalists and communicators who cover religious news, with the purpose of offering them the best possible understanding of certain unique aspects of Church life. Organized and promoted by the Iscom Association and the School of Communication at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, the course saw the participation of over 50 Portuguese-speaking media professionals.
Various events - including sessions and visits - involved academics, members of the Curia, experts from the ecclesiastical world, and Vatican specialists. (program)
Among the speakers was Prof. Fernando Puig, Rector of the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, who addressed the topic The organizational structure of the Roman Curia: dicasteries, prefects, missions.
The participating journalists showed particular interest and appreciation for the visits, which were designed to enrich their knowledge of the historical, cultural, legal, and organizational realities of the Holy See and Vatican City State. Notably, one of the highlights was the fascinating visit to the Swiss Guard, where the soldiers who have been dedicated to the protection of the Pope since 1506 reside: their barracks, uniforms, weapons, and history.
This initiative is part of the program The Church Up Close: dynamic seminars in various languages and for different types of audiences, providing journalists with the tools to improve the quality of their reporting. A mix of on-site visits, interactive workshops, and personal meetings with Church leaders and expert analysts creates a unique opportunity for journalists to experience the Church up close.
Antonino Piccione
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