Vatican City: Pope Francis met with participants of an international conference at the Pontifical Lateran University, where he emphasized the need for a creative, inclusive, and faith-based approach to theology that would make it relevant to today's polarized and ideologically driven society.
Speaking to the attendees of the two-day conference, “The Future of Theology: Legacy and Imagination”, Pope Francis urged theologians to adopt an interdisciplinary and inclusive approach that tackles the complexities of modern life while staying deeply grounded in faith. The conference, organized by the Vatican Dicastery for Culture and Education, brought together around 500 theologians from across the globe to reflect on how theology can respond to the needs of today’s world.
The conference’s primary goal is to foster a synodal exchange of ideas among theologians from diverse cultural backgrounds, encouraging them to turn the theological insights of the past into a dynamic force for the present. This, Pope Francis noted, is essential to addressing the marginalization of theology in modern academic and scientific discourse, while emphasizing its unique role in creating new paradigms of rationality.
In his speech, Pope Francis reaffirmed the vital role of theologians in both the Church and society. He likened theology to a light that quietly illuminates the world, revealing truth without drawing attention to itself. “Theology works humbly so that the light of Christ and his Gospel can shine,” he explained. He also called on theologians to remain rooted in a deep friendship with Christ and to engage with the beauty and suffering of the world with love for humanity.
As the conference explored the relevance and direction of theology, Pope Francis highlighted the importance of involving both male and female voices in theological discussions. Citing the example of the biblical figure Huldah, Pope Francis argued that “an all-male theology is an incomplete theology.” He insisted that women bring unique insights that are vital to theology's development.
The Pope also expressed his desire for theology to help people “rethink how to think” and to avoid oversimplification, which he warned distorts reality and breeds polarization. He criticized ideologies for reducing complex issues to a single, repetitive idea, ultimately stifling thought and destroying community. “Ideology kills reality, thought, and community,” he declared, emphasizing that it flattens everything to a single, obsessive idea.
To counter this simplification, Pope Francis advocated for interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary approaches to theology, as outlined in the Apostolic Constitution Veritatis Gaudium. Engaging with fields like philosophy, science, and the arts, he said, is essential for grasping the full complexity of reality, referencing theologians such as Saint Thomas Aquinas and Saint Bonaventure as models.
Finally, Pope Francis encouraged theologians to make their discipline more accessible to the wider public, especially middle-aged adults seeking to deepen their faith. He urged theological institutes to adapt their programs to ensure theology remains a guide for individuals seeking purpose and renewal, making it relevant to all people at every stage of life.