11–13 December 2026 | Rome, Italy, and Online
Fr Laurence Freeman OSB, Director of the World Community for Christian Meditation (WCCM), will be among the speakers at the international Faith and Science Conference: A Journey into God’s Mystical Love, taking place in Rome from 11 to 13 December 2026.
In a recent conversation with David Lorimer, Programme Director of the Scientific and Medical Network and moderator of the conference, Fr Laurence reflected on the importance of bringing faith and science into dialogue, particularly at a time when both are seeking deeper ways of understanding reality and the human experience.
Laurence described the relationship between faith and science as an increasingly pressing question in our time. He recalled the example of Georges Lemaître, the Belgian Catholic priest and physicist who pioneered the theory of the expanding universe, laying the foundations for the Big Bang theory. When challenged about a possible conflict between his scientific discoveries and his religious beliefs, Lemaître explained that faith and science were two different paths towards truth.
For Laurence, this openness to different ways of knowing reflects the contemplative mind, a theme he will explore in his presentation on Mystical Contemplative Prayer.
Drawing on the Christian mystical tradition, he emphasised that prayer is not simply about asking for things, but about cultivating interiority, silence, equanimity, attention and presence. Meditation, he explained, prepares us to enter more deeply into contemplation, not merely as a passing experience but as a way of life.
Fr Laurence also reflected on what he sees as the three pillars of religion: the institutional, the intellectual and the mystical. While the first two are essential, he warned that the mystical dimension is often neglected or even suppressed, leaving religion at risk of losing its direction and purpose.
These reflections connect closely with WCCM’s theme for 2026, The Future of Religion. Rather than attempting to predict what religion will look like in years to come, Fr Laurence suggested that we should return to more fundamental questions: Why is religion so deeply rooted in human consciousness and society? What is religion ultimately for?
The conference will bring together an international group of scientists, theologians and contemplative thinkers, including Bernard Carr, Jennifer Wiseman, Simon Conway Morris, Federico Faggin, James Finley and Harold Koenig. Dedicated to the memory of Fr Thomas Keating, the gathering will explore the meeting points between scientific discovery, spiritual wisdom and mystical experience.
Fr Laurence will also celebrate Mass at St Peter’s Basilica during the conference.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the gathering, he said he looked forward to learning from the other speakers and described the event as an opportunity to bring together many different strands of contemporary concern.
The conference will be open to participants both in person in Rome and online.
