Spreading the Holy Father's Message

Professor Murzaku met and conversed with Pope Francis. (Foto ©Vatican Media).

Ines A. Murzaku, Ph.D., professor, Department of Religion, director, Catholic Studies Program, and founding chair, Department of Catholic Studies, was invited to attend the International Congress on the Future of Theology: Legacy and Revisioning, organized by the Dicastery for Culture and Education and held December 9-10, 2024 at the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome.
Murzaku was deeply inspired by the observations presented by Pope Francis to launch this remarkable gathering that convened theologians, scholars, researchers, deans and rectors from across the globe to reflect on the rich theological heritage of past generations and to reimagine its trajectory for the future. She found this gathering even more memorable as she was able to engage one-on-one with the Holy Father.

Sharing her reflections, Murzaku said,

I was profoundly moved by the Holy Father's address and the insights he shared with our group. He likened theology to light-a force that works quietly and humbly to illuminate the Gospel of Christ. Just as light cannot be contained, theology too must transcend the confines of books and academic discourse; it must be lived and enacted in the world. In our time, the world urgently needs the guidance and illumination that theology can provide.

Murzaku explained that Pope Francis emphasized the necessity for theology to be both practical and transformative, fostering an authentic and dynamic friendship with God. He highlighted the importance of rethinking how we think, underscoring that our modes of thought shape not only our decisions but also our will and capacity for creativity. The Pope described how original thinking, characterized by a wide heart and imagination, inspires innovation and courage, while narrow, rigid and insular thought stifles progress.

Reflecting on traditional theological methods, she said that Pope Francis remarked on the limitations of outdated approaches, calling them "museum-like" and "bookish." He encouraged theologians to reimagine their discipline as a guiding companion for those seeking meaning and truth, especially during pivotal moments in life. He challenged theology faculties to broaden their outreach, making theology accessible and relevant to all, particularly to those grappling with theological questions in midlife.

She noted that Pope Francis observed that

Middle age is a unique and significant phase of life …It is a time when professional and personal stability may be accompanied by profound challenges-failures, fading youthful dreams, and emerging existential questions. These moments can leave individuals feeling lost, abandoned, or at an impasse-a midlife crisis. Theology, in such times, can serve as a compass, helping to renew their search for meaning. Let theology become a welcoming space, an open house, where seekers can rediscover their path, ask questions, and find both answers and the courage to seek anew.

The International Congress explored critical themes such as the geographical and cultural diversity of theology, the integration of interdisciplinary perspectives (including music, literature and science), and theology's engagement with the Church, society and the wider world.

One particularly compelling theme for Murzaku was the role of women in theology and related disciplines. Pope Francis candidly acknowledged that "an all-male theology is an incomplete theology," underscoring the need for greater inclusion and diversity in theological scholarship and praxis. This recognition marks an essential step toward addressing the Church's ongoing challenges in this area.

The Holy Father concluded with a visionary appeal for theology to "help rethink how to think," advocating for a discipline that moves beyond oversimplifications and embraces complexity. He affirmed that, by fostering this rethinking, theology will once again shine as it ought-serving as a beacon of truth within the Church and across diverse cultures, guiding humanity in its quest for meaning and understanding.

"What a tremendous experience for Dr. Murzaku to participate in the International Congress and having the extreme honor to once again meet and converse with Pope Francis," noted Reverend Gerald Buonopane, Ph.D., vice provost, academics and Catholic identity; and senior lecturer, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. He added, "By doing so Dr. Murzaku spotlights Seton Hall University to the global theological community. The words of the Holy Father that theology is not confined to 'books or academic discourse' but needs to be lived out in the world ring true here at Seton Hall by the University's infusion of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition."

In closing, Murzaku shared, "There is much to unpack in the Holy Father's message, requiring both time and thoughtful reflection. I am deeply grateful to have attended and heard his call firsthand. For me, true theology speaks to both the mind and the heart, harmonizing intellect and compassion-which I believe to be an imperative to which all educators are called."

Read the Address of the Holy Father to Participants at the International Congress on the Future of Theology: Legacy and Revisioning here.

Categories: Faith and Service