"Toward a Theology of Hope for and from Ukraine" — International Conference in Rome
The challenges of the war in Ukraine will be the focus of interdisciplinary theological reflection at an upcoming conference aimed at developing a theology of hope that originates in Ukraine and addresses the world. This conference is particularly relevant in the context of the Jubilee Year 2025, proclaimed by Pope Francis as the Year of Hope.
Participants will explore how the Christian faith can respond to the existential questions brought about by war, the search for a just peace, and the restoration of Ukraine. The discussions will encompass theology and delve into the phenomenology of hope, virtue ethics, and the pedagogy of hope and pastoral care.
Notable attendees will include His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church; Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See; and Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches. Rectors, leading scholars from the three organizing universities, and representatives of the international academic community will also participate.
The first day of the conference, scheduled for May 14, will take place at the Pontifical Gregorian University and will be open to all interested individuals. The following day, May 15, will feature closed plenary sessions.
After the conference, the editorial committee, representing the co-organizers, will prepare a joint document on hope based on the contributions from the participants.
The collaboration on the conference “Toward a Theology of Hope for and from Ukraine” highlights the solidarity of the international academic and church community with Ukraine. It affirms that theology can serve as a living voice of hope in a world filled with turmoil. The conference will not only provide a space to reflect on the meaning of pain and trials but also offer a platform to testify to the hope that Ukraine represents for the world and, particularly, for the Universal Church through its faith and steadfast resistance to Russian aggression.
Date and time: May 14-15, 2025.
The conference begins on May 14 at 17:00 at the Pontifical Gregorian University (Piazza della Pilotta, 4, 00187 Roma).
Secretariat of the Head of the UGCC in Rome
