The programme opened with a prayer invoking the Holy Spirit. Fr. Robert Pen, Principal of the Institute, welcomed participants, while Rector Fr. Ivo Coelho gave the introductory address. Quoting Pope Francis—“I have loved the romantics, in music as well as in literature”—Fr. Coelho explored the Pope’s affinity for romanticism and its expression in his writings and spirituality.

The first day featured diverse perspectives. Fr. Wyman Gonsalves reflected on the dialogue between the Creator, creation, and creature. Provincial Fr. Ashley Miranda highlighted the influence of Romano Guardini on Pope Francis, while Fr. Joaquim D’Souza delved into faith, reason, and heart through Amoris Laetitia. Fr. Ian Pinto presented discernment as “seeing from God’s point of view,” integrating head, heart, and hands. Fr. Vincent Lawrance emphasized the heart as the spiritual center, where freedom is rooted and directed toward love. The day concluded with a screening of the biographical film “Chiamatemi Francesco” (Call Me Francis).

On the second day, Fr. Pen spoke on “the listening heart,” framing listening as a moral act of love and active engagement. Fr. Felix Fernandes examined human dignity through the lens of Pope Francis, emphasizing that humanity finds fulfillment when it transcends itself in God, while also denouncing the inequality that allows the powerful to exploit the powerless.

Fr. Jayaseelan Savariarpitchai explored synodality as a “religion of a thinking heart,” emphasizing the convergence of thought and feeling, and identifying communion, participation, and mission as its three pillars. The seminar concluded with Fr. Jacob Palaparambil’s presentation, which traced Pope Francis’ papacy from 2013 to 2024, noting love as its recurring theme.

The seminar offered participants a rich exploration of the Pope’s vision, highlighting the centrality of the heart in faith, dialogue, and human dignity, and underscoring the relevance of “romantic anthropology” in understanding his pastoral leadership.