In a world shocked by the atrocities of wars of States again incapable of diplomatically settling their controversies, our aim is to introduce to the participants, theoretically and practically, the idea that, despite its possible incorrect manipulation, Religion is an important and privileged means of dialogue and of mutual understanding between people of different countries, cultures and worldviews. In fact, the actual globalized world needs a new model of governance, particularly in politics and economics, and one that is fruitfully prepared by a new cultural style of relationship, where people of different worldviews and religions are educated to encounter each other and, regarding the challenges of the contemporary age, to share their views in a dialogical manner. Only by promoting a new culture, where mutual understanding is highly pursued, can we support international relationships where peace is the irreducible must and any war or violence is definitely banned. The lectures will be offered by the holder of the chair, a Catholic priest, supported by a team of qualified scholars who belong to the three great monotheistic Religions, a Jewish Rabbi and a Muslim Imam, and even by some religious representatives from the Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

To exhibit competence on the core elements and the main differences of the principal religious traditions, particularly in connection to their influence on global politics and the future of humanity.

After a specific introduction to the actual progress made in the last three decades to foster inter-religious dialogue at different levels, a particular and current social moral topic will be chosen every year. This year (2026-2027) we will focus on the debate regarding global environment and climate change. The course will be entitled: Justice between the generations. Strategies for the care of our common home. The specific point of view of the three great monotheisms and of the Hindu and Buddhist traditions will be explained and discussed in different lectures. During this itinerary, in order to analyze and discuss particular situations concerning the issues treated, there will be a Forum/projection, with qualified movies on this theme, thanks to the contribution of the “Religion Today Film Festival” from Trento and the presence of qualified religious and/or diplomatic representatives.

The Jewish Scriptures, the Christian Bible and the Koran. In addition, SANGALLI S. (eds.) Religion and politics, GBPress, Rome, 2016; BONGIOVANNI A. – FERNANDO L. – EDWIN V. (eds.), Dialogue in a Pluralistic World, ISPCK 2013; HAYNES J. (ed.), Routeledge Handbook of Religion and Politics, Routldge 2009; ABDUSALAM M., The Pope and the Great Imam: A Thorny Path, Motivate Media Group, 2021; ALDRIGE A., Religion in the Contemporary World, Polity 2013; WILLIAMS R., Faith in the Public Square, Bloomsbury 2012. Other pertinent books may be suggested during different lectures.

In addition to the above-mentioned forum/question time, the course will be organized into classroom lectures delivered by the holder of the chair, with the support of the mentioned religious scholars, using videos and other specific educational aids. The advantage of this project taking place in Rome – in a peaceful context – is that the Holy See, the oldest Jewish community and the ummah with the biggest mosque in Europe are located here. Even Hindus and Buddhists have recently started to have significant communities in the Eternal City. Therefore, there are many resources from which the different points of view can draw in order to treat the subject properly.

The active presence in class and a written summary of the proper teachings contained in the Sacred Books of each religious tradition.

Having learned about the different points of view, the students will be eventually asked to write a paper and offer a proper analysis of typical case studies regarding the topic annually treated. The students, inspired by the concepts learned, will offer their solutions, which could represent a model of governance related to these cases.