Migration, a Pilgrimage of Hope

International Conference on Migration, Theological and Social Studies

October 21-23, 2025 

Location: Pontifical Urbaniana University, Vatican City | Rome

Migration is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, with millions of people forced to leave their homes due to conflict, poverty and climate change. In this complex global scenario, theology plays a crucial role in the study of migration, offering a lens through which to examine the moral, ethical and spiritual dimensions of these movements. Theology can provide meaningful responses, promoting principles of welcome, solidarity and human dignity.

Through interfaith dialogue and deepening Christian doctrine, bridges of understanding and support can be built for migrants and refugees, helping to create more just and inclusive societies.

The Scalabrini International Migration Institute (SIMI), the University of Notre Dame, the Pontifical Urbaniana University, the Klau Institute for Civil and Human Rights and the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies in the Keough School of Global Affairs and the Poverty Initiative of the University of Notre Dame in partnership, are organizing an International Conference on Migration, Theological Social Studies” to be held from 21 to 23 October 2025. The event, which is held under the auspices of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development,  the Consilium Conferentiarum Episcoporum Europae (CCEE) ,the International Union of Superiors General (UISG), and the Union Superiors General (USG) will bring together scholars, theologians, religious leaders, representatives of NGOs, faith-based organizations as well as representatives of migrant and refugee communities from around the world.

The aim of the gathering is to explore the intersections between migration and theology, providing a space for reflection and dialogue as well as concrete pastoral actions on crucial issues of the phenomenon such as welcoming, protecting, promoting and integrating.

Participants will have the opportunity to analyze the theological challenges posed by migration and discuss the responses that theology can offer in a context of global mobility. Topics such as the theology of welcome, the human dignity of migrants, the role of religious communities in integration, and the importance of Christian witness in a world marked by conflict and forced displacement will be addressed.

Furthermore, the conference will coincide with the Jubilee of the migrants on October 5th 2025, an extraordinary event providing an ideal setting to explore the theme of migration from a perspective of hope and spiritual renewal. The Jubilee celebration will provide a unique context for rethinking theological and pastoral responses to human mobility, examining how the Christian tradition can offer tools and resources to address contemporary challenges, to assess the progress made and to outline new perspectives for the future.

Participants will receive a certificate of attendance.

See the program here

Call for papers

We are pleased to invite scholars, practitioners, doctoral students and activists from diverse theological traditions and interdisciplinary fields to submit proposals exploring the multifaceted relationships between migration and theology. We seek papers that advance theological understanding of migration in ways that are contextually grounded, socially engaged, and globally informed.

The organizing committee invites submissions for 7 parallel panels exploring the intersections of migration, theology, and social and ethical studies. This interdisciplinary conference aims to foster dialogue among theologians, social scientists, and scholars from related fields on the complex realities of
human migration and its theological and social implications.

Download Call for papers here

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