“Ethics and Values in the Era of AI” is an initiative of Seton Hall University’s Center for Catholic Studies, presented in partnership with the International Academy of Catholic Leaders. It brings students, educators, professionals, Catholic leaders and community members into conversation about artificial intelligence and its implications for individuals, institutions and society.
Rooted in Seton Hall University’s Catholic mission, the initiative asks not only what AI can do, but how technological innovation can serve human dignity and the common good.
"Magnifica Humanitas and Our Shared Future
Perspectives from Education, Finance and Healthcare"
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Chancellor’s Suite, Bishop Dougherty University Center
Seton Hall University
Check-in: 8:30 a.m. | Program: 9 a.m.–4 p.m. |
Optional Mass: 4:30 p.m., Chapel of the Immaculate Conception
Registration is free. Advance registration is required; space is limited.
Participants may attend in person at Seton Hall University or virtually through Microsoft Teams. Registered virtual participants may join the live plenary and presentation portions of the seminar and submit questions through moderated chat and Q&A. In-room table discussions, breaks, lunch/networking and the optional closing Mass are in-person only. Teams access details will be sent directly to registered virtual participants.
The October Conversation
Drawing inspiration from Pope Leo XIV’s 2026 encyclical Magnifica Humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence, the October seminar asks how technological progress can serve the full flourishing of the human person. Perspectives from education, finance and healthcare will explore how artificial intelligence can be guided by human dignity, ethical responsibility and the common good through presentations, facilitated discussion, moderated Q&A and cross-sector synthesis.
Presenters/Speakers
Education
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Sebastian Budinich — Doctoral Candidate in Theological and Social Ethics, Fordham University; teaches theology at Fordham University and Manhattan University.
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Chris Tyrrell — Risk Management Executive; Founder, Classical Intelligence
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Douglas C. Minson, M.A. — Chief Academic Officer, Classical Intelligence
Finance
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Rocco Papandrea — Managing Director and International Wealth Advisor, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
Healthcare
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Elena Herrero — Executive Manager to the CEO, SOMOS Community Care
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Diego Ponieman, MD, MPH — Primary Care Physician, James J. Peters Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Opening/Closing Leadership
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Sir Mario J. Paredes — President, International Academy of Catholic Leaders
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Patrick Manning, Ph.D. — Director, Center for Catholic Studies at Seton Hall University
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Gloria Garafulich-Grabois — Director, G.K. Chesterton Institute for Faith & Culture
Who Should Participate
The initiative welcomes:
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Seton Hall students, faculty, staff and alumni
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Educators and academic leaders
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Healthcare professionals
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Finance and business professionals
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Catholic leaders and parish communities
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Anyone interested in the ethical and human dimensions of AI.
No technical background in artificial intelligence is required.
Building on the January 2026 Seminar
The October seminar builds on Seton Hall’s January 30–31, 2026 "Ethics and Values in the Era of AI" seminar. Participants particularly valued its Catholic ethical framing, small-group discussion, diverse perspectives and practical applications of AI. The October format responds by devoting more time to cross-sector dialogue and shared reflection.
Partners and Collaborators
Presented by:
In partnership with:
In collaboration with:
Stay Connected
Questions about the seminar? Contact [email protected].
