DAVENPORT, IOWA (January 6, 2023) — St Ambrose University will host a first-of-its-kind conference March 16-18 to celebrate the ten-year papacy of Pope Francis. The three-day event, titled Francis at 10: A Papacy of Possibilities, will feature internationally-renowned keynote speakers, opportunities for liturgy and break-out 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,” said Paul Koch PhD, Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs at SAU. “As an institution founded on the ideals of Catholicism, our vision for the evolution of higher education aligns well with Pope Francis’s commitment to balancing tradition and modernity. 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 from experts from around the world as they examine Pope Francis, including his theology, his ministry, and the future directions he has set for the church and Christianity. Presentation topics will range from the environment, economics and justice, to a church on the margins, world religions, evangelization and inclusion.
The impressive keynote speaker 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: Commentator and biographer of Pope Francis, Ivereigh published a book with Pope Francis in 2020 to highlight his vision for the post-COVID world. The book is titled 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. Zagano 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, Annett 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 the founding executive director and partner of the Leadership Roundtable, Robinson is a frequent writer and speaker on the subjects of philanthropy, development and faith.
- Dr Massimo Faggioli: Professor at Villanova and author whose books and articles have been published in more than ten languages, Faggioli is a frequent contributor to Commonweal and has written and presented on the topic of synodality.
A call for papers seeking additional breakout speakers and scholarly engagement with Pope Francis’s ministry, writings or theology has been issued. SAU will accept submissions through January 15.
Early bird registration is open now through January 31 for scholars, students and community members who are interested in attending the spring 2023 papal celebration. Cost to attend the full conference is just $75 for those who sign up before the end of the month. For more information, please visit sau.edu/francis10 or contact papalconference@sau.edu.
About St Ambrose University
Founded in 1882 by the Diocese of Davenport, St Ambrose University’s commitment to academic excellence, the liberal arts, social justice, and service is rooted in its Catholic intellectual tradition. The leading, private university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers more than sixty undergraduate majors, eleven Master’s degrees, and three doctoral programs. One-hundred and thirty years since its inception, St Ambrose education remains centered on intentional, holistic and experiential learning to develop high-impact world shapers in every field. To learn more about St Ambrose University, visit sau.edu.
