Introduction

The election of Pope Leo XIV marks the beginning of a new phase in the life of the Catholic Church, which remains continually engaged with the dynamic unfolding of history and the evolving contours of contemporary society. Each pontificate introduces distinct emphases, orientations, and theological approaches to ecclesiology—that is, the Church’s self-understanding, its mission, and its relationship with the world.

This international seminar, entitled “New Pope – New Ecclesiology?”, provides a forum for theological reflection and dialogue on the possible new directions of the Church under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV.

Given the Church’s global presence across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania, the seminar also aims to address the complex and multifaceted challenges of today’s global context. These challenges—aptly captured by the expression rerum novarum (“new things”)—include artificial intelligence (AI), digitalization, armed conflict and war, migration and the global refugee crisis, systemic socio-economic inequality, ecological degradation and climate change, secularism and moral relativism, contested notions of identity and sexuality, declining trust in ecclesial institutions, interreligious dialogue amidst rising radicalism, spiritual fatigue, and a deepening crisis of vocations. These issues continue to demand sustained ecclesial discernment and theological engagement.

The seminar brings together theologians from multiple continents to offer contextually grounded theological reflections. Rooted in the Gospel and the living Tradition of the Church, these contributions seek to explore how the Church might faithfully and effectively articulate its presence and mission in light of the pressing realities of our time.