Call for papers for the 3rd International Franciscan Studies Conference

The Centre for Catholic Studies has opened a call for papers and workshop proposals for the third International Franciscan Studies Conference. ‘Life and Love Transfigured: Exploring New Horizons in the Franciscan Tradition‘ is a conference to mark the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. The Conference will be held in Durham from Tuesday 14 to Thursday 16 April 2026. 

The Transitus of Saint Francis in 1226 completed the Poverello’s earthly life. Successive generations have interpreted and carried forward the witness and teachings of the Saint and his early followers. This conference seeks to celebrate and share the fruits of this legacy against new horizons, addressing contemporary challenges and concerns. The aim of the conference will be to bring together people from different walks of life – academic and non-academic, religious and lay – who have a deep love for St. Francis of Assisi, the Franciscan tradition, and the abiding relevance of the Franciscan charism for the modern world. 

The conference will be held at locations in Durham itself as well as at Ushaw College, a former Roman Catholic Seminary a few miles outside of Durham. The conference will consist of academic panels and plenary lectures by world leading scholars of the Franciscan tradition, as well as public talks by those working in contemporary Franciscan evangelisation, workshops on the Franciscan way of life and Franciscan ministry, ecumenical worship, and opportunities for fellowship and communal reflection. 

Please submit proposals for papers or workshops (c. 200 words) via the form by Thursday 30 October 2025. Contact for any queries: Dr William Crozier at william.e.crozier@durham.ac.uk.