St. Ambrose University has announced it will host a first-of-its-kind conference this spring to celebrate the 10-year papacy of Pope Francis.
The event, entitled Francis at 10: A Papacy of Possibilities, will be from March 16-18 on the Davenport campus. The three-day conference will feature internationally renowned keynote speakers, opportunities for liturgy and breakout sessions, and conclude with a closing Mass hosted by the Papal Nuncio to the United States, His Excellency Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Titular Archbishop of Gunela.
“It truly is an honor to bring this global celebration to our campus here in Davenport, Iowa,” Paul Koch, the university’s provost and vice president for Academic and Student Affairs, said in a news release.
“As an institution founded on the ideals of Catholicism, our vision for the evolution of higher education aligns well with Pope Francis’ commitment to balancing tradition and modernity,” he added. “This will be a great opportunity for all of us, those who identify as Catholic and those who may not, to reflect on where we started and where we can go together in the future.”
Pope Francis, a leader from and for the margins, has captured the imagination of people across the globe. Attendees will hear experts from around the world as they examine Pope Francis including his theology, ministry and the future directions he has set for the church and Christianity.
The lineup of speakers will discuss a range of topics including the environment, economics and justice, to a church on the margins, world religions, evangelization and inclusion.
The lineup includes:
- Joseph Cardinal Tobin: Archbishop of Newark: Besides his responsibilities in the Archdiocese of Newark, Cardinal Tobin has been appointed by Pope Francis to several councils and congregations, including the Synod of Bishops and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.
- Dr. Austen Ivereigh: A commentator and biographer of Pope Francis, he published a book with Pope Francis in 2020 to highlight his vision for the post-COVID world entitled “Let Us Dream: The Path to a Better Future. In Conversation with Austen Ivereigh.”
- Dr. Phyllis Zagano: Catholic scholar, author, and lecturer on contemporary spirituality and women’s issues in the church. She belonged to the 2016-2018 Papal Commission for the Study of the Diaconate of Women.
- Dr. Anthony Annett: Professor at Fordham and author of “Cathonomics: How Catholic Tradition Can Create a More Just Economy.” He leads the Earth Institute’s initiative to strengthen the engagement of the world’s religious communities in climate change.
- Ms. Kerry Robinson: Prize-winning author and founding executive director and partner of the Leadership Roundtable. She is a frequent writer and speaker on the subjects of philanthropy, development and faith.
- Dr. Massimo Faggioli: A professor at Villanova and author whose books and articles have been published in more than 10 languages, he is a frequent contributor to Commonweal Magazine and has written and presented on the topic of Synodality.
St. Ambrose has issued a call for papers seeking additional breakout speakers and scholarly engagement with Pope Francis’ ministry, writings or theology. SAU will accept submissions through Sunday, Jan. 15.
Early bird registration is open through Tuesday, Jan. 31, for scholars, students and community members. Cost to attend the full conference is $75 for early registration. For more information, visit sau.edu/francis10 or contact papalconference@sau.edu.
