Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça Toured the Campus of the Catholic University of Croatia

As part of the General Assembly of the European Federation of Catholic Universities (FUCE), held from May 20 to 22 at the Catholic University of Croatia, distinguished guest Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education of the Holy See, toured the University campus together with Rector Professor Željko Tanjić and other participants of the meeting, including rectors, vice-rectors, deans, and experts from sixteen European countries. During the tour, the University's development projects, modern infrastructure, and academic and student life were presented, and participants had the opportunity to learn about the values and vision for the further development of the Catholic University of Croatia.

The tour began in the University Chapel, the spiritual heart of the University, where the work of the University Chaplaincy and pastoral activities intended for students were presented. Participants then visited the University Library, which houses more than 17,000 volumes and modernly equipped reading rooms, as well as the Robotics Center of the Faculty of Technical Sciences, where students acquire knowledge and practical skills in the fields of computing and modern technologies.

The premises of the Faculty of Health Sciences and the Faculty of Medicine were also presented, including state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities for the education of future healthcare professionals and physicians. Special attention was paid to the major campus renovation project in Ilica, Zagreb, valued at more than 40 million euros. New and renovated facilities were showcased to the participants, including a scientific research institute with laboratories, multifunctional lecture halls, a student dormitory, and the new Rectorate building.

During the tour, the Institute for Complex Systems of the Catholic University of Croatia was also presented. This is an interdisciplinary research unit focused on the study of complex systems in the fields of society, economy, technology, biology, and medicine. The Institute gathers researchers from various scientific fields and develops projects that connect natural, technical, social, and biomedical sciences with the goal of developing modern research methodologies and strengthening international scientific cooperation.

The campus tour concluded with a visit to the student restaurant and the radio and television studio of the Department of Communication Studies, where participants had the opportunity to see the practical part of the classes and the multimedia content that students use in their education.

Rector Željko Tanjić pointed out that hosting the FUCE General Assembly is a great recognition for the University, which celebrates the 20th anniversary of its foundation this year, emphasizing the importance of international networking and dialogue between Catholic higher education institutions.

Text: International Relations Office