Conference Program
Keynote Speakers
Prof. Karol Zieliński
Historian of the Pontificate
From Wadowice to Rome: The Life Journey of John Paul II
October 16, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Sister Elena Rossi
Theologian and Educator
"Be Not Afraid": Hope in the Teaching of John Paul II
October 17, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Dr. Michael O’Connor
Scholar of Catholic Social Thought
Human Dignity and Freedom in the Social Teaching of John Paul II
October 18, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Conference Themes
Biography and Historical Context
Philosophy and Personalism
Moral Theology & Ethics
Catholic Social Teaching
Ecumenism & Interreligious Dialogue
Youth, Vocations & World Youth Days
Culture, Art & Evangelization
John Paul II and Europe
Legacy in the Contemporary Church
Program Schedule
Day 1 – October 16, 2026
9:00 – 10:00
Opening Ceremony & Keynote: Prof. Karol Zieliński
10:00 – 10:30
Coffee Break
10:30 – 12:30
Regular Session 1A: Early Life and Vocation of Karol Wojtyła
10:30 – 12:30
Regular Session 1B: Historical Context of the Pontificate
12:30 – 14:00
Lunch Break
14:00 – 16:00
Regular Session 2A: John Paul II and Central Europe
Day 2 – October 17, 2026
9:00 – 10:00
Keynote: Sister Elena Rossi
10:00 – 10:30
Coffee Break
10:30 – 12:30
Special Session: Theology of the Body and Human Love
12:30 – 14:00
Lunch Break
14:00 – 16:00
Regular Session 4A: John Paul II and Youth Ministry
Day 3 – October 18, 2026
9:00 – 10:00
Keynote: Dr. Michael O’Connor
10:00 – 10:30
Coffee Break
10:30 – 12:30
Special Session: Catholic Social Teaching in the Encyclicals
12:30 – 14:00
Lunch Break
14:00 – 16:00
Regular Session 6A: Interreligious Dialogue and Ecumenism
Day 4 – October 19, 2026
9:00 – 11:00
Workshop: Teaching John Paul II in Schools and Parishes
11:00 – 11:30
Coffee Break
11:30 – 13:00
Tutorial: Working with John Paul II’s Writings and Homilies
13:00 – 14:00
Closing Ceremony & Awards