The John Templeton Foundation Grant

Project Executive Summary

We are living during a period of profound social and cultural change. In this time dominated by methodological reductionism, we need to reaffirm the importance of open interdisciplinary dialogue between researchers and individuals from diverse backgrounds to search for convergence and deeper understanding. The Vatican's Pontifical Council for Culture and Cura Foundation will host the Fifth International Vatican Conference (May 2021) that will bring together prominent speakers from all over the globe with backgrounds in science, theology & philosophy as well as media personalities to address what it means to be human, human exceptionalism and enhancement, the connection between science and faith, the relationship between mind-body-soul, the importance of empathy and compassion and the human rights of aging. This project is unique since it will engage people of diverse backgrounds creating a hotspot for dialogue and leveraging influencers and other resources. It will impact academia, private and public companies, policymakers and religious leaders as well as students of both sciences and humanities. The conference will convene the world's leading scientists and physicians, patients, ethicists, leaders of faith and policymakers, include an audience with Pope Francis and will be moderated by renowned broadcast journalists. We will additionally arrange meetings for students of Pontifical Universities to extend the conference topics to the next generation. We will publish & distribute a special edition of Culture e Fede journal for bishops, clergy & researchers and will produce a newsletter for the public and distribute it online & via social and conventional media. We believe these activities will establish more durable relationships between religious and scientific communities and expand the established collaborative network that will unite people and create content for outreach to bishops, clergy, students, scientists, and policymakers.

This project was made possible through the support of a grant from the John Templeton Foundation. The opinions expressed on this website are those of the hosts, authors and/or speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the John Templeton Foundation. Learn more about the project.

With the support of this grant, the Cura Foundation produced webinars available at thecurafoundation.org/webinars. The opinions expressed in these webinars are those of the hosts, authors and/or speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the John Templeton Foundation.

 

John Templeton Foundation

Founded in 1987, the John Templeton Foundation supports research and dialogue on the deepest and most perplexing questions facing humankind. The Foundation funds work on subjects ranging from black holes and evolution to creativity, forgiveness, and free will. It also encourages civil, informed dialogue among scientists, philosophers, theologians, and the public at large.

With over $2.8 billion in assets and annual grants of $115 million in 2018, the Foundation ranks among the 25 largest grantmaking foundations in the United States. Headquartered outside Philadelphia, its philanthropic activities have engaged all major faith traditions and extended to more than 190 countries around the world.

Learn more about the John Templeton Foundation.