Franciscan University International Theology Symposium to Explore the Renaissance of Biblical Theology

STEUBENVILLE, OHIO- Franciscan University of Steubenville will host leading theologians and biblical scholars from around the world June 26-28, 2026, for the International Theology Symposium, The Renaissance of Biblical Theology, an academic conference exploring the resurgence of Scripture-centered theology in the life of the Church.

Co-sponsored by and held at the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, the symposium is geared toward professional academics, graduate students, clergy, seminarians, and anyone hungering to contemplate Sacred Scripture from the heart of the Church. The conference will feature lectures, discussion sessions, Mass, and fellowship with some of today's most prominent Catholic scholars.

"The International Theology Symposium echoes the mission of Franciscan University's PhD Program: to reflect on the Word of God from the heart of the Church, through robust academic research, in service to the Church's work of evangelization," said Dr. Jacob Wood, professor of theology at Franciscan University. "This year's theme captures that mission. The Renaissance of Biblical Theology Conference brings scholars from across the world together to contemplate the reality that 'Scripture is the soul of Sacred Theology' (Dei Verbum, No. 24). The conference will explore the resurgence of recent scholarship on this issue and unpack its potential to transform the future of theological study."

The symposium opens Friday, June 26, with an evening keynote on the Old Testament by Dr. John Bergsma, professor of theology at Franciscan University and vice president of Mission at the St. Paul Center.

Additional featured speakers include:

• Dr. William M. Wright IV, professor of Catholic studies and theology at Duquesne University, speaking on the Gospels.
• Dr. David M. Moffitt, professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at University of St. Andrews, speaking on the Epistle to the Hebrews.
• Dr. Thomas Clemmons, associate professor of Latin Patristics at The Catholic University of America, speaking on the Latin Fathers.

• Father Brian Dunkle, SJ, associate professor of historical theology at Boston College, speaking on the Greek Fathers.

• Dr. Mark Clark, professor at The Catholic University of America, speaking on the early medieval theological tradition.
• Dr. Daria Spezzano, professor and chair of theology at Providence College, speaking on St. Thomas Aquinas.

• Father Aaron Pidel, SJ, professor at Pontifical Gregorian University, speaking on the theology of Joseph Ratzinger.

The conference also includes daily Mass, opportunities for discussion and fellowship, and a Saturday evening cocktail hour hosted at the St. Paul Center.

Franciscan University organizers said they are especially grateful for the partnership with the St. Paul Center in advancing theological scholarship animated by love for Sacred Scripture and the Church.

Registration for the symposium is free and made possible through the generosity of donors supporting the mission of Franciscan University's PhD program in theology. Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged.

To learn more or register, visit the conference registration website.