The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Holy See has launched a competition for the students of the Papal Universities about "Renaissance or decadence? The role of religions in the European Union". The essays, to be written in Italian and composed of 20 thousand to 25 thousand characters, will have to be sent to the Embassy (via di villa Sacchetti 4-6, Roma) by 12th December 2008. "The idea says the description of the event is born of the need to urge a reflection on the role that religions play today within the European Union, an important and extremely relevant issue; just think of the debate on stem cells, the social inclusion of Muslims, laicism". The purpose of the competition "is to drive the students to look at history, consider the present and make forecasts on the future of religions in Europe". The winner will have his or her essay published on L’Osservatore Romano and Rheinischer Merkur, as well as winning a holiday in Berlin. Other prizes will be given to the second and third places as well. For further information, visit www.vatikan.diplo.de
