The congress brought together managers, communication experts, representatives of the Holy See, and academics from several continents associated with the IFCU network. Discussions focused on how internal communication can strengthen the Catholic mission, build trust, and maintain institutional identity in times of rapid technological and social change.

UPSA Rector Prof. Santiago García-Jalón de la Lama emphasized that internal communication is not an accessory but a fundamental dimension of university life and, in a Catholic environment, "represents a form of intellectual and institutional love." The congress was supported by Dr. Paolo Ruffini, Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication of the Holy See, who warned against dehumanization in the digital age if communication ceases to be a space for encounter and becomes a source of isolation. He emphasized the need to renew a culture of dialogue, truthfulness, and mutual listening. Loïc Roche, Director of Communication and Strategy at IFCU, recalled that internal communication is the foundation of a shared institutional culture.

The importance of cooperation and networking

The Catholic University in Ružomberok was represented by Viktor Mydlo, PR manager, and Dr. Michaela Moldová Chovancová, Erasmus+ institutional coordinator, who led an expert panel on the role of internal communication in building trust in the higher education environment. "It was an honor to moderate a panel of experienced practitioners: Patricia Sáinz de Robredo, Head of Communications at the University of Navarra (Spain), Oliwia Baran, Head of Development and Campus at the University of Lille (France), and Dr. Ángel Losada, Professor at the Pontifical University of Salamanca (Spain)," added Moldová Chovancová.

The discussion yielded three key messages: trust is based on consistency – clear procedures, transparent decision-making, and regular communication; communication is caring for the community – it strengthens solidarity and promotes joint solutions to challenges; authenticity is fundamental – internal communication must be truthful, humane, and in line with the values of Catholic universities.

CU Rector Jaroslav Demko emphasized the importance of such meetings: "It is important that we learn to cooperate with each other and address societal issues that transcend the boundaries of individual universities. Dialogue and the joint search for solutions are the way to strengthen our academic mission."

AI as a cultural challenge

The third day of the congress was opened by Dr. Giovanni Tridente from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross (Italy), who presented four ethical axes of working with artificial intelligence – being, acting, creating, and accompanying. "Artificial intelligence must expand human relationships, never replace them," he emphasized. The discussion showed that AI represents not only a technological shift, but also a cultural transformation of universities – from process management to the daily functioning of academic communities.

The congress was held under the auspices of the International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU), which brings together more than 200 Catholic universities around the world. The federation promotes academic cooperation, knowledge exchange, and networking among universities on all continents. KU has been a member since 2010. The next joint congress is scheduled for 2026.