From April 28 to 29, 2026, Prof. Martín Carbajo-Núñez will take part in an international conference organized by the Pontifical University Antonianum (PUA) and the University of Warmia and Masuria in Olsztyn (Poland), in collaboration with the Society of Dogmatic Theologians of Poland. The event will be held at the PUA (Via Merulana 124, Rome) and will be entitled: “Francis, Rebuild My Church! Theology in Service of the Church – Past and Present.”
The theme draws inspiration from the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis and explores the role of theology in service to the Church. Professor Carbajo will present the theme: "Brother robot: technology and theology in Franciscan perspective."
Here is a summary:
"Prof. Carbajo intends to explore the relationship between technology and theology from a Christian—and specifically Franciscan—perspective. The provocative title “Brother Robot” suggests a reinterpretation of technology not as a neutral or hostile entity, but as a reality that can potentially be integrated into a horizon of fraternity and service, in light of the mystery of the Incarnation and the Franciscan ethos. The Christian tradition, in fact, offers a positive view of matter and technique, grounded in the conviction that God became flesh and embraced created reality as a place of salvation.
In tension with this vision, Pope Francis, in Laudato si’ (no. 20), denounces the current technocratic paradigm, which considers technology as the sole solution to humanity’s problems. By limiting truth to what is measurable and reproducible, the modern scientific method risks excluding the qualitative and contextual dimensions of human experience, thereby hindering a holistic understanding of reality.
From its very origins, the Franciscan tradition stands out for a holistic approach to knowledge, one that holds together science, theology, and ethics. Far from reducing knowledge to domination, Franciscan thought proposes “re-cognizing” as an opening to mystery, an exercise in wisdom, and growth in the capacity to love. Over the centuries, this perspective has given rise to significant scientific contributions: from Roger Bacon, considered one of the fathers of the modern scientific method, to Peter of John Olivi, an innovator in economics; from Luca Pacioli, founder of modern accounting, to William of Ockham, promoter of intuitive and empirical knowledge, and even Bernardino de Sahagún, a forerunner of ethnographic studies.
In this same spirit, the present work seeks to highlight the Franciscan theological and scientific heritage in order to offer criteria for ethical and spiritual discernment regarding the use of contemporary technologies, asking how artificial intelligence and robotics might be oriented toward serving human dignity, the care of our common home, and universal fraternity".
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The goal of the conference is to reflect on the significance of the work of dogmatic theologians within the Church. The life and legacy of Saint Francis offer a valuable source of inspiration for deeper reflection and meaningful dialogue on this theological service.
