Call for Papers: Pan African Conference November 2026

Celebrating the Centenary of the Birth of Pope Benedict XVI (1927–2027) and the 40th Anniversary of Tangaza University

Theme: Constellations of Hope: Africa and the Renewal of the Church in the Vision of Benedict XVI

Important Dates

Conference Date: November 18th – 20th, 2026
Venue: Tangaza University
Modality: Onsite & Online

Submission and Publication Dates

Abstract Submission Deadline: May 15, 2026 (5:00 PM EAT)
Notification of Acceptance: June 15, 2026 (5:00 PM EAT)
Full Paper Submission: August 15, 2026 (5:00 PM EAT)
Final Paper for Publication: November 30, 2026 (5.00PM EAT)

Concept Note

As the Church commemorates the centenary of Pope Benedict XVI and Tangaza University celebrates forty years of academic excellence and ecclesial service, this conference seeks to explore how Benedict XVI’s theological vision can illuminate the future of the Church in Africa.

The metaphor “Constellations of Hope” captures Benedict XVI’s conviction that Christian hope is neither abstract nor ideological. Rather, it is grounded in the person of Christ and becomes visible in history through communities, institutions, saints, scholars, and cultures that reflect divine light. In Spe Salvi, Benedict XVI presents hope as transformative – capable of shaping culture, reason, politics, education, and social life.

Africa today stands at a critical crossroads. While it is home to one of the fastest-growing Catholic populations in the world, it continues to face profound social, economic, political, and ecological challenges. At the same time, African Christianity manifests remarkable vitality, youthful dynamism, and deep spiritual resilience.

This Pan-African Conference invites scholars, theologians, educators, clergy, religious, and lay leaders to engage critically and constructively with Benedict XVI’s theological legacy – particularly his reflections on faith and reason, liturgical renewal, ecclesial communion, truth and charity, and moral responsibility – in order to contribute meaningfully to the renewal of the Church in Africa in the 21st century.

The conference forms part of the broader reflection series: “Building a Culture of Hope: Education, Community, and Leadership in 21st Century Africa.” It seeks to identify the “constellations” institutions, movements, intellectual traditions, pastoral models, educational frameworks, and spiritual practices – that can serve as luminous signs of hope for Africa and the universal Church.

Objectives of the conference

The conference aims to:
1. Critically engage the theological vision of Pope Benedict XVI in dialogue with African realities.
2. Explore models of ecclesial and social renewal rooted in Christian hope.
3. Strengthen Pan-African theological collaboration and scholarship.
4. Contribute to the future of Catholic higher education in Africa through interdisciplinary
research.
5. Articulate pathways for leadership formation shaped by truth, charity, and intellectual
integrity.

Thematic Areas/Sub Topics

A. Theology of Hope and African Realities

Christian hope in Spe Salvi within African socio-cultural contexts
Hope amid conflict, migration, poverty, and ecological crisis
Eschatology and African cosmologies
Martyrdom, suffering, and resilience in African Christianity

B. Faith and Reason in African Higher Education

The Regensburg vision and African universities
Catholic intellectual tradition and African scholarship
Theology and public reason in pluralistic societies
Artificial intelligence, digital culture, and theological formation
Academic freedom and fidelity in Catholic institutions

C. Liturgy, Inculturation, and Sacred Beauty

Theology of liturgy in African contexts
Inculturation and ars celebrandi
Music, symbol, and sacred art in African worship
Eucharistic theology and ecclesial communion
Popular piety and liturgical renewal

D. Ecclesiology and Synodality

Communion ecclesiology in Africa
Collegiality, synodality, and episcopal leadership
The role of Small Christian Communities
Religious life and missionary dynamism
Youth and the future of the Church

E. Truth, Charity, and Social Transformation

Authentic African Development: Caritas in Veritate and Economic Transformation
Ethics of Power: Truth, Charity, and the Common Good
Economic Justice: CST and the Preferential Option in Action
Nation-Building: Reconciliation, Healing, and Corruption
Peace-Building and interreligious dialogue

F. Leadership and Formation for the 21st Century

Servant leadership in the example of Benedict XVI
Seminary and religious formation in Africa
Lay leadership and co-responsibility
Women in Church leadership and theological scholarship

G. Africa and the Global Church

Africa’s contribution to global theology
Mission “from Africa” to the world
Demographic growth and pastoral challenges
African spirituality and universal Catholicism
Legacy of Benedict XVI’s visits to Africa

H. Education as a Constellation of Hope

Catholic education and character formation
Theology and interdisciplinary dialogue
Universities as communities of evangelization
Digital evangelization and youth culture
Sustainability and ecological responsibility

Expected Outcomes

The conference seeks to:

Honor the centenary of Pope Benedict XVI through a critical and contextual
appropriation of his theological and pastoral legacy.
Celebrate the 40th anniversary of Tangaza University by reflecting on its mission and
future role in Africa.
Promote rigorous academic dialogue between Benedict XVI’s thought and African
theological traditions.
Publish selected peer-reviewed papers in an edited volume or special journal issue.
Contribute to the renewal of the Church and transformation of society in Africa