The Vatican hosts the first summit on longevity and aging

The Vatican Longevity Summit brought together international experts to discuss health, regenerative medicine, and ethics in longevity, with the participation of Fr. Alberto Carrara, LC, member of the CADEBI Advisory Council.

On March 25, the Vatican witnessed a historic event that brought together some of the world's brightest minds at the first-ever Vatican Longevity Summit, a scientific summit dedicated to the challenges of aging and longevity. This event, which was held at the Centro Congressi Augustinianum, marked a milestone in regenerative medicine, brain health, fertility and longevity ethics, addressing key issues such as health justice and equity and the democratization of scientific results.

Among the prominent organizers of this event was Father Alberto Carrara, LC member of the Cadebi Advisory Council, who played a crucial role as president of the Organizing Committee of the Vatican Longevity Summit.

The event was inaugurated by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, who highlighted the importance of events that unite science and humanism, putting the person, especially in the fragility of old age, at the center of social and cultural reflection. Father Antonio Cabrera Cabrera, Coordinator of Cadebi, was present, who accompanied the organizers in this historic meeting.

Father Carrara actively participated in the organization and development of this international summit, which brought together two Nobel laureates, world-renowned scientists and experts in neurosciences, epigenetics and regenerative medicine. This collaborative effort was an initiative inspired by the vision of Dr. Viviana Kasam, who, following the success of the Milan Longevity Summit the previous year, proposed to bring this event to the Vatican headquarters, making this ambitious dream a reality.

Message from Pope Francis

At a press conference prior to the start of the summit, Father Alberto Carrara read the message sent by Pope Francis, who expressed his hope that the event would promote renewed care for the elderly, whose rich experience represents an invaluable value for the Church and society. The Pope also sent his apostolic blessing to all the organizers, speakers and participants of the event, encouraging them to continue with the work in support of social welfare projects.

Featured Topics and Participants

The summit focused on several areas of advanced research, including cell regeneration, age-related diseases and innovations in the field of regenerative medicine. Father Alberto Carrara participated in the opening table together with prominent academics such as Prof. Giulio Maira, renowned neurosurgeon, and Prof. Venkatraman Ramakrishnan, Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2009.

The event was a platform to discuss the future of longevity, reflecting on the ethical implications of scientific advances and how society can adapt to healthier and more sustainable ageing. Among the topics discussed, the focus on integral longevity was highlighted, aligned with the vision of Pope Francis, who sees old age as a grace to be valued and not as a burden.

Acknowledgements and Conclusion 

Father Carrara, in his role as organizer and leader, stressed the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in the search for answers to improve the quality of life in old age. The summit culminated with applause and consensus on the need for a more ethical and inclusive approach to human ageing, marking the beginning of a new path towards a more dignified and hopeful longevity.

This event was not only a scientific success, but also an act of ethical reflection and a space for dialogue between science, society and spirituality.

From Cadebi, we extend our gratitude to Father Alberto Carrara for his tireless dedication and for representing our mission to promote human well-being through science, ethics and international cooperation.

Thank you for your invaluable contribution to the advancement of knowledge and the promotion of dignified and sustainable longevity!