New Delhi: The 26th Bishops-Theologians Colloquium of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) was held at the NBCLC (National Biblical Catechetical and Liturgical Centre), Bengaluru, from July 4–5, 2025. Focused on the theme “Toward a New Humanism: Theological Reflections on Pope Francis’ Writings,” the colloquium brought together 51 participants, including bishops, theologians, scholars, and clergy from across the country.
The event was inaugurated by Oswald Cardinal Gracias, Archbishop Emeritus of Mumbai, who shared his personal experiences and impressions of Pope Francis. Cardinal Gracias described the Holy Father as a “spirit-filled and saintly person” with a profound humility, frequently referring to himself as a sinner in need of constant conversion. He recalled the Pope's continual plea for prayers and his courage in acknowledging the Church’s shortcomings, including giving undue emphasis to doctrines over the Gospel’s pastoral essence.
In his presidential address, Archbishop Peter Machado of Bengaluru highlighted key elements of Pope Francis’ humanism justice, the common good, integral ecology, solidarity, hope, dialogue, and reconciliation.
Dr. John Baptist, Director of NBCLC, spoke about the vision and mission of the institute as an arm of CBCI for theological and pastoral renewal. Dr. Thomas Vadakkel, Secretary of the CBCI Office for Doctrine, welcomed the participants and coordinated the entire colloquium.
Ten eminent theologians presented scholarly reflections during the two-day colloquium. Bishop Lawrence Pius of Dharmapuri presented on mercy as the heart of humanism in Amoris Laetitia. Dr. Yesu Karunanidhi offered a reflection on the Sacred Heart and reimagining human love from Dilexit Nos. A distinctive paper was delivered by Dr. Annie Kunnath, faculty at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, focusing on Pope Francis' letter on the role of literature in formation, delivered at Saint John Lateran in July 2024. Dr. Thomas Kuriakose explored the option for the poor and the renewal of humanism in Evangelii Gaudium. Dr. Paulachan Kochappilly reflected on the culture of encounter and human relations in Evangelii Gaudium and Fratelli Tutti. Dr. Roy Lazar presented on synodality and human dignity, drawing lessons from Episcopalis Communio and Praedicate Evangelium.
Dr. Arnald Mahesh shared insights on Pope Francis’ inclusive vision of fraternity in Fratelli Tutti. Dr. John Chathanatt revisited the theme of mercy as the heart of humanism through Misericordiae Vultus and Misericordia et Misera. Reflections on healing, health, and humanism were offered by Dr. Scaria Kanyakonil, based on Samaritanus Bonus and Fratelli Tutti. Dr. A. Pushparajan concluded the presentations with a profound study on the family as a school of humanism, offering anthropological insights from Amoris Laetitia.
A panel discussion with all paper presenters followed, during which several participants stressed the need to return to the original format of the colloquium by increasing participation of bishops and theologians, and ensuring more time for meaningful dialogue and interaction.
The colloquium concluded with reflections by Archbishop Joseph Pamplany, Member Archbishop, CBCI office for Doctrine and Bishop Sebastian Adayanthrath, who emphasized the timely relevance of a new humanism rooted in Pope Francis’ teachings. All presented papers will be published in the upcoming issue of Word and Worship, the official theological journal of NBCLC.