Let everything be yours in common. The Frontiers of Poverty
First International Workshop of the International Study Center Leone XIV ETS
Rome, Pontifical Patristic Institute Augustinianum
16–17 September 2026
Via Paolo VI, 25 – 00193 Rome
The International Study Center Leone XIV ETS is organising its first international workshop, “Let everything be yours in common. The Frontiers of Poverty”, to be held in Rome on 16 and 17 September 2026, in collaboration with the Pontifical Patristic Institute Augustinianum and the Facoltà Teologica dell’Italia Centrale.
Established at the Augustinian Community of Santo Spirito in Florence and dedicated to Pope Leo XIV, the Study Center promotes research, education and dialogue on social, political and international affairs, in the light of the Augustinian tradition, the Social Doctrine of the Church, human dignity and the common good.
The title recalls the Augustinian expression “Let everything be yours in common”: an invitation to reflect on the many forms of poverty and the shared responsibilities they place on institutions, communities and each of us. The two-day event will bring together theologians, philosophers, historians, economists, legal scholars, scholars of international affairs and young researchers.
From Scripture to new inequalities, from conflicts to migration, and from education to artificial intelligence and access to water and sanitation, the programme encourages interdisciplinary dialogue between academic research, ecclesial experience and social responsibility.
In memory of Fra Severino Bussino
The workshop is dedicated to the memory of Fra Severino Bussino, OSA, a member of the Augustinian Community of Santo Spirito in Florence and a figure particularly dear to the Study Center. Stefano Maria Mari will pay tribute to him at the opening of the workshop.
Alongside the academic discussions, a fundraising initiative open to everyone is being held in his memory. The funds raised will support the Holy Father’s charitable works through the Dicastery for the Service of Charity – Apostolic Almonry. A Minimo Incipe ETS and the Augustinian Community of Santo Spirito will also contribute to the initiative. The amount raised, confirmation of the transfer and the final destination of the funds will be published on the Study Center’s website.
Learn about the fundraiser in memory of Fra Severino and how to contribute
Workshop programme
The four thematic sessions will be preceded by the introductory session and the Lectio Magistralis by Enrico Giovannini. The programme will close with remarks by Fr Joseph Farrell. The programme and speakers’ materials are available on the official Indico page.
Wednesday, 16 September 2026
Introductory Session
Chair: Simone Morandini — Istituto di Studi Ecumenici “S. Bernardino”, Venezia.
11:00 — Welcome Addresses: Fr Giuseppe Pagano, President of the International Study Center Leone XIV ETS; Fr Juan Antonio Cabrera, President of the Pontifical Patristic Institute Augustinianum; Fr Joseph Farrell, General Prior of the Order of Saint Augustine; Fr Gabriele Pedicino, Provincial Prior of Italy of the Order of Saint Augustine.
11:15 — In Memory of Fra Severino Bussino, OSA — Stefano Maria Mari.
11:25 — Lectio Magistralis on the topic of Poverty — Enrico Giovannini, Università di Roma Tor Vergata.
12:15 — Discussion.
13:00 — Lunch.
1. Scripture and its Re-writings: a Complex Tradition
Chair: Cristina Simonelli — Facoltà Teologica dell’Italia Settentrionale, Milano.
Poverty in biblical sources, in the thought of the Church Fathers and in the history of monasticism: an exploration linking the Christian tradition to the questions raised by contemporary social ethics.
14:30 — Poverty in the Bible
Donatella Scaiola (Istituto Giovanni Paolo II, Roma): Poverty and Justice in the Old Testament.
Kieran O’Mahony (St. John’s Community, Dublin): The Stranger as a Sacrament of Borders. The paper will be read by Fr Elizandro Contreras, OSA.
The Study Center gratefully remembers Fr Kieran O’Mahony, OSA, who passed away before the workshop. The reading of his paper will allow participants to share in the work he prepared for these days. Read the Study Center’s tribute.
15:30 — Poverty: An Insight from the Fathers — Michele Cutino (Université de Strasbourg).
Voluntate pauperrimus (Civ I,10,2). Augustine on Paulinus of Nola: poverty as a Christian choice.
16:00 — Coffee break.
16:30 — Monastic Poverty and Poverty in Mendicant Orders. A Different and Complementary Vision in the History of the Church — Francesco Salvestrini (Università di Firenze).
17:00 — Augustine as Inspiration for Social Ethics Today — Donatella Pagliacci (Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milano), discussant.
Dinner at participants’ own arrangement: dinner on 16 September is not included in the registration fee.
Thursday, 17 September 2026
2. Contemporaneity
Chair: Massimo Faggioli — Villanova University, Pennsylvania, USA.
The contemporary challenges of poverty, explored through the Church’s Magisterium, social ethics, international journalism and law, with particular attention to peace, education and the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence.
09:30 — Short biblical-artistic meditation, i.e. on Caravaggio — Elena Manganelli (Monastero Sant’Antonio da Padova, Pennabilli).
09:40 — Poverty and the Church Magisterium — Erio Castellucci (Arcidiocesi di Modena-Nonantola).
10:10 — A Special Focus on Social Ethics — Pier Davide Guenzi (Istituto Giovanni Paolo II, Roma), discussant.
10:40 — Peace, Conflicts and Poverty — Lucia Capuzzi (Avvenire, Foreign Desk).
11:10 — Coffee break.
11:30 — Law, Rights and Poverty — Patrizia Giunti (Università di Firenze).
12:00 — Para salir de la pobreza: oportunidades de educación con la IA — Elías Neira (OALA – Organización de Agustinos de Latinoamérica).
12:30 — The Mediterranean Monastery Network for Peace — Claudia Maiorelli (Monastero Sant’Antonio da Padova, Pennabilli), discussant.
13:15 — Lunch.
3. Global Poverty, Churches and Religions
Chair: Simone Morandini — Istituto di Studi Ecumenici “S. Bernardino”, Venezia.
A reflection on the political, cultural and religious dimensions of global poverty and on the contribution of Churches and religions to social justice and international solidarity.
14:30 — Global Poverty: An Overview and Analysis — Luis Marín de San Martín (Almoner of His Holiness, Vatican City).
15:00 — Poverty, Politics and Religion — Debora Spini (New York University and Syracuse University in Florence).
15:30 — Poverty, Politics and the Role of the Churches Today — Massimo Faggioli (Villanova University).
16:00 — General Discussion.
16:30 — Coffee break.
4. Invited Contributions by Young Scholars
Chair: Chabi Kolawole — Pontificio Istituto Patristico Augustinianum, Roma.
The session for young scholars invited by the Scientific Committee explores the relationship between poverty and migration, and access to essential services.
17:00 — Poverty and Migration — Vittorio Bruni (University of Oxford).
17:30 — Analysis of Water and Sanitation Services — Federica Natalia Rosati (University College London).
18:00 — Discussion.
18:30 — Short Break.
Concluding Session
Chair: Fr Giuseppe Pagano — President of the International Study Center Leone XIV ETS.
18:45 — Concluding Remarks — Fr Joseph Farrell, General Prior of the Order of Saint Augustine.
20:00 — Social Dinner — Basilica Hotel, Via Cavour 85/A, Rome. Attendance is optional; please indicate your participation when registering. An additional contribution of €50.00 applies.
Scientific Committee
Alessandro Clemenzia — Facoltà Teologica dell’Italia Centrale, Firenze.
Massimo Faggioli — Villanova University, Pennsylvania, USA.
Chabi Kolawole — Pontificio Istituto Patristico Augustinianum, Roma.
Simone Morandini — Istituto di Studi Ecumenici “S. Bernardino”, Venezia.
Cristina Simonelli — Facoltà Teologica dell’Italia Settentrionale, Milano.
Local Organising Committee
Giuseppe Pagano — International Study Center Leone XIV ETS, Chair.
Giulia Bacci — International Study Center Leone XIV ETS, Secretary.
Juan Antonio Cabrera — Pontificio Istituto Patristico Augustinianum.
Ilaria Cimmino — International Study Center Leone XIV ETS.
Luciano De Michieli — International Study Center Leone XIV ETS.
Stefano Maria Mari — Università Roma Tre.
Claudio Tirinnanzi — International Study Center Leone XIV ETS.
Albino Todeschini — International Study Center Leone XIV ETS.
Marco Zini — International Study Center Leone XIV ETS.
With the support of
The International Study Center Leone XIV ETS thanks the organisations and companies supporting the workshop:
Fondazione CR Firenze
Banca Generali Private
Federazione Toscana BCC – Credito Cooperativo
Enic – meetings & events
Cavallini & Partners
Estra
Vangi
Nocentini Group – Conad
Park Hotel Marinetta
Basilica Hotel Roma
Information and registration
Venue and dates
Pontifical Patristic Institute Augustinianum
Via Paolo VI, 25 – 00193 Rome
16–17 September 2026
The workshop opens on Wednesday, 16 September at 11:00. Sessions resume on Thursday, 17 September at 09:30.
Registration and participation fee
Participation requires advance registration through the Indico platform. The registration fee is €100.00 and includes access to all sessions, conference materials, coffee breaks and lunches on 16 and 17 September.
Payment can be made by bank transfer or PayPal, following the official instructions for fees and payments. Registrations requiring payment will be confirmed once payment has been verified by the Organising Secretariat.
Presentation languages and publication
As stated in the Final Bulletin, speakers may present in Italian or English. A printed volume is planned after the workshop; authors will have the opportunity to submit revised and expanded versions of their papers, incorporating insights from the discussions.
Social Dinner
The Social Dinner will take place on Thursday, 17 September 2026 at 20:00, at the Basilica Hotel, Via Cavour 85/A, 00184 Rome. It will offer an informal opportunity for speakers and participants to meet. Attendance is optional and should be indicated when registering, with an additional contribution of €50.00.
Accommodation and logistical assistance
For speakers and guests with agreed accommodation arrangements, the Organising Secretariat has arranged rooms at the Collegio Internazionale Santa Monica (Via Paolo VI, 25, Rome) and the Basilica Hotel (Via Cavour 85/A, Rome). The assigned accommodation and arrival and departure dates are communicated individually. Please contact the Secretariat for accommodation information and logistical assistance.
Organising Secretariat
International Study Center Leone XIV ETS
Piazza Santo Spirito, 30 – 50125 Florence
Workshop enquiries: events@studiumleonexiv.org
Secretariat: segretario@studiumleonexiv.org
Telephone: +39 392 8563809
Press accreditation
Journalists wishing to cover the workshop may request accreditation by emailing claudio.tirinnanzi@studiumleonexiv.org. The Organising Secretariat will provide information on access and coverage of the event.
Full programme and materials
The Indico platform brings together the programme, speakers’ profiles and materials, information bulletins and registration instructions.
