Events

This conference is jointly organised by the Studies in Inter-Religious Relations in Plural Societies Program at S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University; and Asia Research Institute and Faculty of Arts and Sciences at the National University of Singapore.

In Asia, Catholics often form a religious minority within their home countries, coexisting with a diverse range of religious traditions and institutions. Whether in neighbourhoods, workplaces, Catholic schools, or social services, Asian Catholics frequently interact with individuals of different faiths. This generates questions, opportunities, and challenges for family life, social cohesion, religious practice, and engagement with public institutions. Yet, in this pluri-religious journey, the Vatican plays a central role in providing both formal and informal guidance to Catholics in Asia.

This conference aims to explores the ways in which the Vatican contributes to interfaith diplomacy in contemporary Asia. Since the end of the 13th century, the Holy See has sent papal delegates to Asian states and has actively supported Asian Catholic communities. Despite a history marked by some controversies and conflict, the Holy See continues to minister Asian Catholics while making significant efforts to engage in dialogue with religious actors and political leaders across Asian societies.

Focusing on the perspective of the Vatican as well as the lived realities of Asian Catholics, this conference seeks to deepen scholarly understanding of interfaith diplomacy, interreligious dialogue, and international relations.  Given the immense political, religious, and social diversity of Asian societies, the conference aims to examine how Catholic communities and their Roman centre of authority recognize and engage with the continent’s religious traditions.

With Pope Francis scheduled to visit four countries in Southeast Asia in September 2024, this conference will bring together scholars and religious practitioners to discuss the Catholic Church’s contributions to interreligious relations in Asia.

PROGRAMME

REGISTRATION 

The conference website can be found at https://www.rsis.edu.sg/event/srp-webinar-vatican-conference/
Registration is closed, and instructions on how to participate in this online talk have been sent out to registered attendees. 
For enquiries, please email srp@ntu.edu.sg.

CONFERENCE CONVENORS

Mr Mohamed Nassir | S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University
Dr Michel Chambon | Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore