Father Dave Pivonka, TOR '89 President | Franciscan University website

Franciscan University of Steubenville is set to host the fifth annual Truth of Love Conference this summer, from July 11 to 14, 2025. The conference, which focuses on theological issues related to sexual difference, creation, synodality, history, Scripture, culture, and politics, is co-sponsored by Franciscan University and the Veritas Amoris Project.

The event's keynote speakers are Deacon Frederick C. Bauerschmidt, a professor of theology at Loyola University of Maryland, and Father José Noriega, a co-founder of the Veritas Amoris Project. Their talks will address "the relationship between charity and truth as well as charity and theology."

The conference will feature notable Catholic figures, including Dr. D.C. Schindler from the John Paul II Institute, Dr. Michael Waldstein of Franciscan University, Dr. Oana Gotia from Sacred Heart Major Seminary, and several others.

According to Dr. Jacob Wood, the conference organizer and associate professor of theology at Franciscan University, "Like our PhD in Sacred Theology Program here at Franciscan University, this annual conference is becoming a place inspired by the classical understanding of a theologian, where we are steeped in Scripture and Tradition, engage in passionate, charitable, and rigorous discussion of them, and ultimately prepare ourselves to go out and serve Christ and the Church, to teach the teachers of the faith and so carry out the work of evangelization."

In addition to the talks, a dinner will honor Michael Waldstein on July 13, and more sessions on the Eucharist in the Gospel of John will be conducted on the morning of July 14. Dr. Scott Hahn and Dr. John Bergsma from Franciscan University will present alongside Waldstein.

The conference invites proposals for individual papers and sessions on related topics. Interested participants can find more details and register at the university's website.