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    Laboratories of Hope: Pázmány ITK at the FUCE General Assembly in Zagreb

    2026.05.28.

    Pázmány Péter Catholic University was represented at the 2026 General Assembly of the Federation of European Catholic Universities (FUCE) by Fr. Dr. Krisztián Vincze, Vice-Rector for International Affairs and Research, and Dr. Kristóf Iván, Pro-Dean of the Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics (ITK). The three-day event, held from 20 to 22 May 2026 at the Catholic University of Croatia in Zagreb, brought together rectors and leaders of Catholic universities from across Europe under the theme "Inspiring Catholic Universities in Challenging Times".

    A Cardinal's Vision: Defending the Human in the Age of AI

    The Assembly opened with a keynote lecture by Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, which set the intellectual tone for the entire event. The Cardinal argued that in an era defined by a "technocratic paradigm" and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, Catholic universities are called to become "laboratories of hope." His central message was clear: knowledge must never be reduced to the cold manipulation of reality. Research and education must place human dignity and ethics first; ensuring that technology complements, rather than replaces, human thought and agency.

    ITK's Role in Shaping the Digital Future

    Kristóf Iván spoke on the second panel, dedicated to the sustainability of universities amid digital transformation. His contribution drew directly on ITK's experience and brought a concrete, practice-grounded perspective to the broader discussion about how Catholic universities can not only adapt to technological change, but actively shape it.

    Three key themes emerged from his presentation:

    - ITK as a living laboratory: The Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics serves as a testbed for the responsible integration of AI into university life: both in pedagogical approaches and in administrative operations. Rather than treating digital transformation as an external pressure to manage, ITK approaches it as an opportunity to model thoughtful, value-driven innovation in practice.
    - Innovative programmes bridging disciplines: Particular attention was given to the Faculty's postgraduate programme Applications of Artificial Intelligence, launched in 2023 and designed for non-engineers. The programme helps professionals from a wide range of fields understand and work alongside AI: a practical expression of the university's commitment to broad-based digital literacy.
    - Ethics as a guiding principle: Perhaps the most resonant point of the presentation was its core argument: even if "the technological train has already left the station", Catholic universities have both the responsibility and the capacity to define the ethical frameworks governing AI's use. This means actively working to preserve the balance between technological progress and individual freedom: a balance that cannot be taken for granted.

    Building Partnerships, Shaping the Agenda

    The General Assembly reaffirmed that FUCE member universities are committed to an active role in a shared mission: placing technological advancement at the service of human development and solidarity; not as an abstract ideal, but as a practical orientation for research, education, and institutional life.

    The event also provided a valuable opportunity for the Pázmány delegation to meet with close partner institutions and to advance ongoing conversations about collaboration. These exchanges went beyond networking: FUCE members used the Assembly to begin formalising new frameworks for cooperation, reflecting the network's ambition to translate shared values into concrete institutional commitments. As a technical and Catholic faculty, this kind of engagement is particularly meaningful for Pázmány ITK. The Zagreb Assembly was a reminder that the questions shaping the future of AI and digital transformation are not solely technical. They are deeply human ones, and Catholic universities are well placed to help answer them.

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