Franciscan Leadership: First Bi-Annual Virtual Conference of the International Association of Franciscan Studies (14-15 July 2026).
Theme
The commemoration of the 800th anniversary of the death of Francis of Assisi in 2026 offers a timely opportunity to reflect on his life and legacy in dialogue with our own vocations, charisms, actions, and forms of leadership. This online conference gathers scholars from diverse disciplines and cultural contexts to explore the meaning of inspirational leadership, past and present. It seeks, on the one hand, to enrich contemporary leadership debates through Franciscan ideals and insights, and on the other, to critically reassess the practical relevance of Franciscan leadership styles in today’s world. Rooted in the Franciscan sources, Franciscan leadership is fundamentally servant-centred, emphasizing service to the dignity and well-being of both individuals and communities. The conference invites dialogue between this distinctive service-oriented vision and modern leadership theories, allowing each to illuminate the other. By examining themes such as inspiration, vision, receptivity, relationality, fraternity, and transformation, the contributions translate Franciscan leadership wisdom into resources for contemporary leaders. The conference also marks the official launch of the International Association of Franciscan Studies.
Date
Tuesday 14 July 2026 9.00 am – 3.00 pm (EDT) / 15.00-20.00 (CET)
Wednesday 15 July 2026 9.00 am – 3.00 pm (EDT) / 15.00-21.00 (CET)
Teams Virtual Conference
See the program here.
Further information and free registration
https://www.sbu.edu/academics/academic-resources/franciscan-institute/programs-conferences