Bishop Claudio Palumbo opens Dicastery for the Causes of Saints' conference

Bishop Claudio Palumbo opened the second day of a conference on holiness and history at the Augustinianum in Rome on October 20. The event, organized by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, is scheduled to continue through October 21.

During his opening remarks, Palumbo, the bishop of Termoli-Larino, described history as a theological space for dialogue between God and humanity rather than a threat to faith. He noted that while history narrates how things happen, theology reveals why they happen. Palumbo characterized saints as historical antibodies who translate the Gospel into concrete actions, even if they are not professional theologians. He suggested this perspective aligns with views held by Saint Thomas Aquinas.

Other participants in the conference included Father Godding, director of the Société des Bollandistes, who discussed methods for documentary and archival research. Additional sessions featured Professor Carriquiry Lecour and Archbishop Nwachukwu discussing Church figures who influenced history in Africa and America.