The Faculty of Theology of the Pontifical Gregorian University – in collaboration with the International Centre of Friends of Newman, the De Nicola Centre for Ethics and Culture (University of Notre Dame) and the National Institute of Newman Studies – is organising the academic symposium “Saint John Henry Newman Doctor of the Universal Church: His Relevance Today”, which will take place on Friday 31 October 2025 (9.00 am -6.30 pm) in the Aula magna of the Gregorian University. This symposium will feature renowned Newman experts from various countries around the world.
On the eve of the proclamation of Saint John Henry Newman as Doctor of the Universal Church and his appointment as co-patron of the Church's educational mission together with Saint Thomas Aquinas, the various presentations will seek to show the relevance of the doctrine of the great English theologian today.
The opening session – chaired by Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints – will address the importance of the Church Fathers for Newman (Joseph Carola SJ) and the birth of ecclesiology (Kathleen Dietz FSO). The second session – chaired by Bishop Emeritus Edoardo Cerrato, long-time Procurator General of the Confederation of the Oratory – will explore the themes of the development of doctrine (Hermann Geissler FSO) and creative fidelity (Nicolas Steeves SJ).
The two afternoon sessions will present Newman’s eminent teaching on specific themes, as presented in the Positio. These include the development, reception and impact of his thought (Kenneth Parker, C. Michael Shea), ecumenism and interreligious dialogue (Christopher Cimorelli), conscience and imagination (Bernard Dive), natural philosophy (Fred Aquino, Logan Gage), revealed theology (Andrew Meszaros), the inspiration of Scripture (Matthew Muller), patristic formation (Benjamin King), the magisterium (Ryan Marr), education (Paul Shrimpton), the sensus fidelium (Jennifer Martin), synodality (Shaun Blanchard), the new evangelisation (Geertjan Zuijdwegt), Newman as preacher (Eamon Duffy), Newman as mystic (Brian Hughes).
- Simultaneous translation into Italian and English will be provided exclusively for participants attending in person.
- The symposium will be live streamed on the YouTube channel @UniGregoriana (in the original language only).
Accreditation Procedure
Journalists and media operators who wish to participate must apply, no less than 24 hours before the event, through the Holy See Press Office online accreditation System available at press.vatican.va/accreditamenti.
For interviews and technical information on the event, please contact: press@unigre.it