Universidade Católica Portuguesa, through CADOS, in partnership with the Order of Discalced Carmelites, held the IV Days of Integral Human Development between May 30 and June 1, under the theme “Hope Throughout the Ages”.  

The event, which took place in Fátima, brought together academics, religious and professionals from various fields to reflect on hope as a transformative force throughout life, with a special focus on ageing. The initiative was coordinated by Maria Alexandra d'Araújo (UCP), as part of the Jubilee Year proclaimed by Pope Francis, under the slogan “Pilgrims of Hope”.  

For three days, participants were invited to explore hope from multiple perspectives - from theology to neuroscience, including economics and the social sciences. The program included conferences, moments of prayer, workshops and interactive debates, promoting an interdisciplinary dialogue on the role of hope in building a more humane and supportive society.  

Among the UCP speakers were:  

 Alexandra d'Araújo, on “Integral Human Development and Hope in Ageing”;  

João Pereira, on “Hope in numbers: the last to die”;  

Peter Hanenberg, on “Hope: the instance of the Other in us”;  

Maria Vânia da Silva Nunes, with “The role of hope in dementia”;  

Zaida Charepe, with “Hope in care”;  

Joana Romeiro, with the presentation of the film “A light on life events, health and care from birth”;  

Raquel Trindade, with “Promoting Hope: indicators and communication practices”.  

More than an academic event, the Days were a space for meeting and sharing, where friendship and intergenerational communion were valued as concrete expressions of hope. “Ageing should be synonymous with meaning, purpose and... hope”, stressed the organization.