Vatican City State
PRESS RELEASE
International Conference
“Overcoming polarization and rebuilding the ethical foundations of global governance”
Pontifical Patristic Institute Augustinianum
Via Paolo VI, 25 – Rome
May 16, 2025
9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
“Overcoming polarization and rebuilding the ethical foundations of global governance: toward a new Agenda for shared prosperity, international cooperation, and peacebuilding” is the theme of the international conference promoted and organized by the Centesimus Annus – Pro Pontifice Foundation, to be held in Rome on Friday, May 16, 2025, at the Augustinianum Institute.
The event will bring together representatives of international institutions, Church leaders, scholars, entrepreneurs, and religious leaders of various faiths engaged in interreligious dialogue. In a synodal spirit, they will reflect on key issues concerning the future of the global economy, society, and peace.
“The conference is dedicated to the ethical foundations of global governance and to overcoming the growing polarization that threatens today’s economy, society, and international relations,” explained Paolo Garonna, President of the Centesimus Annus – Pro Pontifice Foundation. “For our Foundation, the conference is a gesture of gratitude to Pope Francis and a concrete commitment to continue along the path paved by his most visionary and innovative initiatives. That is why the event will explore themes such as responsible leadership and economic and social cooperation; the revival of multilateralism; economic and financial integration at both continental and intercontinental levels; and the issue of debt relief for vulnerable nations. Finally, it will focus on the emerging 'Theology from the Mediterranean' and its implications for Catholic Social Teaching, interreligious dialogue, and global peace,” President Garonna emphasized.
The international conference. The program will begin on Friday, May 16 at 9:00 AM with a plenary session on “The ethical foundations of global governance: toward a new agenda for shared prosperity”, followed by a focus session on “Europe, ethics, and the politics of reform”. The morning will continue with parallel sessions dedicated to “Catholic social teaching in the world and its contribution to dialogue and global cooperation,” with in-depth discussions on Africa, Asia, Latin America, and ethical challenges for dialogue in the Western context. In the afternoon, the
conclusions of the parallel sessions will be shared in a plenary discussion. This will be followed by a session focused on Mediterranean Social Doctrine, referring to the 2023 Marseille Manifesto, to reflect on the role of theology and interreligious dialogue in promoting peace and economic and social development in and from the Mediterranean region. The conference will conclude around 6:00 PM with final remarks summarizing the day’s work.
Foundation Members’ Assembly. Two additional events, essential to the Foundation’s life, will take place before and after the conference. On Thursday, May 15, the Foundation Members’ Assembly will be held, focusing on the theme “How Catholic Social Thought Contributes to Dialogue, Cooperation, and Responsible Leadership in a Polarized World.” Following a plenary session, participants will divide into parallel sessions, all conducted in a synodal style.
Holy Mass and Pilgrimage Through the Holy Door. The second event will take place on Saturday, May 17, with the celebration of Holy Mass in the morning at the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by a pilgrimage through the Holy Door, as part of the Jubilee Year of Hope.
• Accreditation procedure: Journalists and media operators who wish to participate, on 16 May, 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
v Our sincere thanks go to Intesa Sanpaolo and Fideuram Asset Management SGR, the official sponsors of the initiative. Their invaluable support has been instrumental in the successful realization of this internationally focused event dedicated to promoting dialogue and mutual understanding.
Press Officer, Centesimus Annus – Pro Pontifice Foundation:
Costantino Coros – Email: corospress@gmail.com – Mobile: +39 393 9396689
