STEUBENVILLE, OHIO—The fifth annual Truth of Love Conference will tackle some of the most pressing theological issues of our times. Cosponsored by Franciscan University of Steubenville and the Veritas Amoris Project, the event will be held at Franciscan University July 11-14, 2025.

The conference will explore theological issues tied to sexual difference, creation, synodality, history, Scripture, culture, and politics through the lens of love seeking understanding.

Deacon Frederick C. Bauerschmidt, professor of theology at Loyola University of Maryland, and Father José Noriega, co-founder of the Veritas Amoris Project, will be the two keynote speakers. They will speak on the relationship between charity and truth as well as charity and theology. 

The event will also feature several well-known and high level Catholic speakers including Dr. D.C. Schindler, associate professor of metaphysics and anthropology at the John Paul II Institute; Dr. Michael Waldstein, professor of theology at Franciscan University; Dr. Oana Gotia, professor of moral theology at the Sacred Heart Major Seminary; Dr. Stephen Hildebrand, theology professor and vice president for Academic Affairs at Franciscan University; Dr. Matthew Muller, director of the Symposium on Transforming Culture at Benedictine College; Dr. Katarina Westerhorstmann, professor of theology and moral ethics at Franciscan University; Father Edmund Waldstein, monk of the Cistercian Abbey of Stift Heiligenkreuz in Austria and lecturer in moral theology at the abbey’s theological college; and Dr. Andrew Jones, assistant professor of theology at Franciscan University.

“Like our PhD in Sacred Theology Program here at Franciscan University, this annual conference is becoming  a place inspired by the classical understanding of a theologian, where we are steeped in Scripture and Tradition, engage in passionate, charitable, and rigorous discussion of them, and ultimately prepare ourselves to go out and serve Christ and the Church, to teach the teachers of the faith and so carry out the work of evangelization,” said conference organizer Dr. Jacob Wood, associate professor of theology and director of the PhD program in sacred theology at Franciscan University.

A special dinner to honor Michael Waldstein will also be held on July 13 and additional talks on the Eucharist in the Gospel of John will be presented on the morning of July 14 by Dr. Michael Waldstein; Father Michael Scanlan Professor of Biblical Theology and the New Evangelization at Franciscan University Dr. Scott Hahn; and Franciscan University theology professor Dr. John Bergsma. 

The conference also welcomes proposals for individual papers, as well as sessions, on related topics. 

For more information and to register, visit https://franciscan.edu/truth-of-love-2025.