From 20 to 22 January, students from Liceo Vittoria enjoyed a highly valuable cultural and civic educational experience in Rome, participating in institutional meetings and moments of reflection on the present and future of society.
One of the highlights of the trip was a meeting with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, as part of the celebrations for the 25th anniversary of the Observatory for Independent Thinking. In front of hundreds of students from all over Italy, the Cardinal answered the students' questions, turning the event into a real lesson in geopolitics and civic responsibility.
In particular, he invited young people not to distance themselves from politics, but to consider it a concrete tool for serving the community and working for peace, emphasising the value of personal commitment and active participation.
Among the questions selected by the organisers was one from Clara M., a student in class 2B at Liceo Vittoria.
"Given the numerous debates underway among the diplomatic corps of various states, what is the role of the Church in relation to governments, organisations and international institutions such as the UN and the EU? As far as you are concerned, what was the most difficult international situation you faced as Secretary of State?"
Another question, prepared by Edoardo F. (4B), on relations between the United States and the Vatican State in the context of current international tensions, could not be discussed due to time constraints, but nevertheless left room for stimulating and topical reflections.
The trip continued with visits to iconic locations in the city, such as Piazza Navona and the Vittoriano, and an important institutional stop at the Senate of the Republic, which gave students a concrete insight into how democratic institutions work.
The students participated in all activities with commitment, interest and a spirit of collaboration. The Roman experience was therefore not just an educational outing, but a true journey of citizenship education, capable of leaving a lasting mark on the personal and civic development of the young people.