"So how do we as individuals or as groups find an entry into that? I really think it is through this human-centered design" that VHacks is focused on.
The hackathon is also interspersed with educational opportunities, including panels and workshops on topics related to the themes. Participants can also avail themselves of advice and guidance from experienced "mentors" present to help throughout the conference.
"It's not just a hackathon but a learning experience and a team-building experience," Lucy said.
The event will conclude with Mass and sightseeing in St. Peter's Basilica March 11, followed by attendance at the Pope's Sunday Angelus and his papal blessing in St. Peter's Square.
Dominican Fr. Eric Salobir, a co-chairman of VHacks and a consultor for the Secretariat of Communications, told CNA that having the hackathon at the Vatican is very symbolic, and allows big issues to be tackled from the global perspective offered by the Church.
Salobir is also the founder of the OPTIC network, a disruptive technology think-tank which frequently collaborates with the Holy See.
Explaining the term hackathon, Cameron clarified that while the words "hack" or "hacking" can have negative connotations, the phrase in this case is used to mean "hacking into a problem that has no clear start."
"It just comes down to finding an entry point and saying, 'This is where we're going to start looking at it.'"
He acknowledged that it is unrealistic to think that solutions to these problems can possibly be found in just 24 or 36 hours. But what they want to do is "plant a seed" and create something to expand on in the future.
The environment of the hackathon, which lacks the usual pressures found in a career setting, makes it really "conducive to innovation," he stated.
In the end, it is hoped that some of the new ideas produced will be brought to fruition by the corporations, foundations and private donors sponsoring the hackathon.
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A lofty goal, Salobir said they even hope to have some examples "of how technology can help to solve problems" in place by the time of the synod on the youth in October. "We hope to be able to show very practical, useful solutions," he said.
"We saw from our experiences [putting on hackathons] in San Francisco and Paris that the students are incredibly creative in the way to use technology positively, in a way the older generations cannot imagine. They were born in this time of digital technology and sharing economy and they can provide a lot."
"I have no clue what they will do practically, I have just the experience of other hackathons. But at other hackathons they really came with amazing ideas. I hope that this time it will be the same and they will really blow our minds with their creativity."
Editor's note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that participants came from 60 different countries. They came from 60 different universities. We regret the error.
Hannah Brockhaus is Catholic News Agency's senior Rome correspondent. She grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, and has a degree in English from Truman State University in Missouri.