Seton Hall to host Host Vatican-inspired Sport at the Service of Humanity Conference
Monday, February 16, 2026
Presidents Hall located on the South Orange campus of Seton Hall University
Seton Hall University will proudly host the next Sport at the Service of Humanity (SSH) Conference in South Orange, NJ, on November 4-6, 2026. The conference, developed in consultation with the Vatican Dicastery for Culture and Education (formerly the Pontifical Council for Culture), is designed to advance the meaningful work of the Sport at the Service of Humanity initiative that focuses on three pillars: Inspiration, Inclusion and Involvement. The theme of Seton Hall's conference will be "Communication, Collaboration, Community: Sport at the Service of Humanity."
Inspired by the late Pope Francis, Sport at the Service of Humanity was launched in October 2016 during the First Global Conference on Faith and Sport at the Vatican. The gathering brought together thought leaders and influencers from the worlds of faith, sports, business and other sectors to discuss how faith and sport could work together to bring people together, improve lives and inspire positive social change. Since then, SSH has become the only global sport and multi-faith movement with a vision of a world where people "live like they play" — combining the passion for sport with the values of faith to create healthy and peaceful communities.
The Sport at the Service of Humanity Conference at Seton Hall will be the sixth hosted in the United States and the fifth hosted by a BIG EAST Conference school, with previous iterations held at Villanova University (2017), Loyola Marymount University (2018), Georgetown University (2019), Marquette University (2023), and Creighton University (2024).
"The influence of sports on society has never been greater," said Monsignor Joseph Reilly, S.T.L., Ph.D., president of Seton Hall. "For athletics to provide maximum benefits to humanity, we must ensure their administration, participation and impact reflect positive, faith-based life-affirming values. Seton Hall is pleased to host this year's SSH Conference, which will advance the excellent work done in prior years and lend our unique perspective to issues of sports, faith and business."
"Sport has the unique capacity to unite communities, lift spirits, and call forth the best in each of us," said Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark. "I am grateful that Seton Hall is embracing this vision by hosting a gathering that reflects the Church’s broader mission: to integrate faith and athletics in ways that promote human dignity, compassion, and hope."
The Sport at the Service of Humanity Conference at Seton Hall will be an invitation-only gathering bringing together leaders in athletics, media, education, faith communities and youth sports to harness the power and visibility of sport to effect positive change in the world. The event will feature speakers, panels and breakout groups focused on developing innovative ways to highlight and strengthen the intersection of faith and sports in and beyond educational contexts. Details regarding the conference, including speakers and the program, will be included as part of the invitation to attend.
"Sport at the Service of Humanity is thrilled to be working with Seton Hall University in bringing this event together," said SSH Board Director and CEO/Executive Director Philip Leopold. "The goals of Inclusion, Involvement and Inspiration epitomize the potential for both sport and faith to serve people who are disadvantaged and excluded in so many different ways. Sport at the Service of Humanity aims to grow awareness of these goals through discussion, as well as action, among all those who share that desire to make a difference — whatever their faith, whatever their sport. Seton Hall has a wonderful vision for this Conference, and I think the outcomes will be uniquely impactful."
In preparation for Seton Hall’s conference, BIG EAST Commissioner Val Ackerman recently participated in the SSH Sport for Good roundtable workshop, held on October 16, 2025, in Vatican City. A cross-section of sports executives, non-profit leaders, government officials and athletes met to discuss and explore the beneficial impact of sport on society and to encourage sports programs that foster human, educational and spiritual growth. Players Coalition (PC) and Sport for Impact co-hosted the event on October 16, and PC co-founder Anquan Boldin, 2015 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, also participated in the workshop.
“His Holiness Pope Leo believes that sport, especially when it authentically captures the Christian spirit, is a powerful tool to foster human, educational and spiritual growth,” noted Bishop Paul Tighe of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Culture and Education. “I am delighted with this initiative coming from Seton Hall, and applaud both the University’s and Cardinal’s commitment to the promotion of sport as an endeavor that enriches the lives of all people.”
Categories: Arts and Culture, Faith and Service
