STEUBENVILLE, OHIO—How can Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s vision and insight help the Church overcome today’s most critical challenges? Josef Ratzinger/Pope Benedict XVI Vatican Foundation’s Annual Conference attendees will gather to answer this question at Franciscan University of Steubenville on October 20-21, 2022.

“The conference will focus on Josef Ratzinger/Pope Benedict XVI’s understanding of the Church as a unifying principle for his entire theological vision,” said Franciscan University Dean of the School of Theology and Philosophy and Professor of Theology Dr. Stephen Hildebrand. “It will apply his insights into the Church to the problems and challenges that the Church faces today.”

Hildebrand expressed his hope that “participants will come away with gratitude for the theological work of Josef Ratzinger/Pope Benedict XVI, with a greater love for the Church, and with a strengthened hope for her future.”

After a welcome by Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, president of Franciscan University, nine talks and responses will be given by the following speakers: His Eminence Kurt Cardinal Koch, president, Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity; Rev. Achim Buckenmaier, Teologia del popolo di Dio; Dr. Tracey Rowland, professor, University of Notre Dame, Sydney; Dr. Christian Schaller, professor, Institut Papst Benedikt XVI; Dr. Michael Root, professor, Catholic University of America; Dr. Christian Washburn, professor, University of St. Thomas; Dr. Michael Waldstein, professor, Franciscan University of Steubenville; Dr. William Wright, IV, professor, Duquesne University; and Most Reverend Stefan Oster, SDB, Bishop of Passau.

Conference sponsor The Josef Ratzinger/Pope Benedict XVI Vatican Foundation was founded in 2010 to promote the printing, dissemination, and study of texts written by Josef Ratzinger, later Pope Benedict XVI. The foundation pursues scientific and cultural research to foster the study of theology with a focus on Holy Scripture, patristics, and sacred arts. The aims of the foundation also include awarding scholarships, organizing cultural and scientific conferences, and rewarding scholars who have stood out for their publications, scientific research, or artistic achievements.

To register or for more information, go to franciscan.edu/2022-ratzinger-foundation-conference.