Applications Open for the Mediterranean Theological Meetings 2026
Proclaiming Peace Amid the Noise of War: Peacemaking in an Age of Militarism
From 12 to 18 July 2026, the Archdiocese of Rijeka organizes for the fifth time, a program for theology students and graduates entitled Mediterranean Theological Meetings.
At a time of new armed conflicts, growing fears, geopolitical tensions, and a renewed arms race, MTM seeks to explore how today’s Christian and Muslim communities – especially in the Mediterranean, a region marked by centuries of encounters, conflicts, and dialogue – can bear witness to the message of peace within a culture shaped by fear and conflict.
We wish to reflect on how to renew a spirituality of nonviolence, how to strengthen prophetic voices within religious communities and society, and how faith can inspire concrete gestures of reconciliation at a time when war is once again becoming an ever-present threat.
All those interested are invited by Archbishop Mate Uzinić to submit their application through the link below and to participate in the Mediterranean Theological Meetings from 12 to 18 July 2026.
In order for this program to be further enriched in its theological reflections and to remain open in an ecumenical and interreligious way, the lecturers include Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, and Muslim theologians. Applications are open to third-, fourth-, and fifth-year theology students, final-year and postgraduate students, as well as graduates of Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, and Islamic theological faculties.
Cardinal Blase J. Cupich and Cardinal Ladislav Nemet will take part in this year’s Mediterranean Theological Meetings.
️ This year’s theme is “Proclaiming Peace Amid the Noise of War: Peacemaking in an Age of Militarism”, and the program includes lectures, workshops, and a public forum.
The Meetings will take place from 12 to 18 July 2026 in Lovran, while a public forum with the two cardinals will be held on 14 July in Rijeka.
Due to the Easter holidays, applications have been extended until 30 April 2026.
To apply, it is necessary to complete the application form by 30 April 2026 at:
https://forms.gle/P8pyUM3exoavTPCU7
Lectures and workshops will be held in English. A total of 40 participants will be admitted.
Lecturers:
Sihem Djebbi teaches political science and international relations at Sciences Po Paris and at Sorbonne Paris North University, as well as at the Pontifical Theological Faculty of Southern Italy (PFTIM – San Luigi) in Naples. Her research areas include international cooperation, peace and security, interreligious dialogue, migration, and the Middle East and North Africa. She has also collaborated as an advisor and trainer with social, humanitarian, and peace organizations.
Grigorije Durić took monastic vows in 1992. He graduated from the Faculty of Orthodox Theology in Belgrade in 1994 and in 1999 was elected Bishop of Zahumlje-Herzegovina and the Littoral. Since 2018 he has served as bishop of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Germany.
Stipe Odak is Professor of Applied Ethics at the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies at UCLouvain. His research interests include intergroup conflicts, collective memory, and contextual theology. He is also a published poet and a member of PEN International.
Viola Raheb was born in Bethlehem (Palestine). She is Program Director of the PRO ORIENTE Foundation in Vienna and has extensive experience in interreligious dialogue, integration, and issues related to women, peace, and security.
Poster
