At 12.15 today, a press conference was held at the Holy See Press Office, Via della Conciliazione 54, to present the “Vatican Longevity Summit: Challenging the Clock of Time”, taking place this afternoon at the Augustinianum Conference Centre, Via Paolo VI 25, Rome.
The speakers were: Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, president of the Pontifical Academy for Life; Professor Fr. Alberto Carrara, LC, president of the Organizing Committee; Professor Giulio Maira, neurosurgeon and founder of the Atena Foundation; Professor Venkatraman Ramakrishnan, Noble Prize Winner for Chemistry, 2009; Professor Juan Carlos Izpisúa Belmonte, scientist specializing in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.
The following are their interventions:
Intervention of Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia
Good morning to all of you. The Pontifical Academy for Life has decided to sponsor this important international event. As you know, the topic of aging and aging well is at the center of my interest. It is at the center of my interest, not only for personal reasons, but because the quality of old age is the litmus test of the degree of civilization of a nation.
Longevity should not be seen simply as a biological goal but as an opportunity to enhance the elderly in the social context. The elderly are not a burden on society but a valuable resource: their experience and wisdom represent an irreplaceable cultural and human heritage. Pope Francis often reminds us that "a people that does not cherish the elderly is a people without a future," emphasizing the need to promote a culture that recognizes the value of old age and counteracts the marginalization of the elderly.
In this context, equitable access to scientific discoveries becomes a central issue. Biomedical innovations should not be the privilege of the few but tools to improve quality of life for everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status. The goal is not just to live longer but to live better, preventing degenerative diseases and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity for healthy and dignified aging. Longevity, then, is not just a matter of science but of justice, solidarity, and collective responsibility.
Intervention of Professor Fr. Alberto Carrara, LC
Good morning to all the journalists present. Today we understand the importance of preserving cognitive function through an integrated approach involving neuroscience, psychology, nutrition, and the environment.
Fundamental to this is the six-pillar model of Brain Health, which includes nutrition, movement, sleep, cognitive stimulation, stress management, and social relationships, demonstrating how brain wellness is the true driver of healthy longevity.
It is not enough to extend life; we need to improve the way we live it, and a systematic approach to longevity is important. In my talk at the Congress, I also explore the role of music, art, and sensory experiences in maintaining cognitive health, demonstrating how the brain can be constantly nourished and stimulated. This is a call to reflection and action to invest in our brain health, building a future in which longevity and quality of life go hand in hand.
This unique event brings together Nobel laureates, internationally renowned scientists, and world leaders at the Vatican to discuss issues related to healthy, sustainable, and integral aging. It takes place the afternoon of Monday, March 24, starting at 4 p.m. at the Augustinianum Congress Center Auditorium in the Vatican. Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin will speak for an opening greeting.
Intervention of Professor Venkatraman Ramakrishnan
Ribosomes, are the "molecular factories" that produce the proteins essential for life. Without healthy ribosomes, our cells age and deteriorate. But what if we could preserve their functionality to prolong health?
The ribosome translates genetic instructions into proteins, ensuring proper cellular functioning. However, as we age, ribosomes suffer accumulative damage that impairs their efficiency, leading to errors in protein production and contributing to cellular decline. Recent studies have shown that ribosomal malfunction is closely linked to disease processes such as neurodegeneration, cancer, and premature aging, paving the way for new therapeutic strategies to preserve ribosomal integrity and improve longevity.
Preserving ribosome function could be a key to slowing aging at the molecular level. Most advanced research is focusing on two main strategies: first, reducing ribosomal stress through nutritional and pharmacological interventions that modulate protein metabolism and increase ribosomal efficiency. Second, the possibility of reprogramming the ribosomes themselves to optimize protein synthesis and prevent the accumulation of misfolded proteins, a major cause of neurodegenerative diseases and aging-associated muscle decline.
The implications of these findings are revolutionary: if we could directly intervene in ribosomes, we could not only combat aging but also prevent chronic diseases and improve quality of life in old age.
Intervention of Professor Giulio Maira
My research aims to better understand human development and regenerative potential. Aging is not an inescapable fate, but a scientific frontier to be explored. In my talk at the Conference, I will show how the cellular reprogramming factors discovered by Nobel Laureate Yamanaka can revolutionize the length and quality of human life. Age-related diseases result from the progressive decline of our tissues and organs. However, groundbreaking studies show that manipulating epigenetic mechanisms could reverse this process, offering new opportunities to prevent and treat the diseases of aging. What can we learn from the longest-lived organisms on the planet? We have some animal species on our planet that manage to live long and healthy lives, opening up new perspectives for innovative cellular rejuvenation strategies. The goal is not just to extend life but to improve our biological resilience by reversing age-related degeneration.
