4th International Bioethics Conference
Upcoming 2027 Edition
May 7th - 8th, 2027
Rome - Italy
4th International
Bioethics Conference
2027 Edition
May 7th - 8th, 2027
Rome - Italy
The splendor of truth in Science and Bioethics
4th International Bioethics Conference
International Chair of Bioethics Jérôme Lejeune
“Magnificent Intelligence or Artificial Humanity? Bioethical Reflections in the Light of Magnifica Humanitas”
The Jérôme Lejeune International Bioethics Conference will hold its next edition in 2027, bringing together experts from around the world to explore and address the anthropological, ethical, and bioethical implications of certain applications of artificial intelligence in healthcare and human life, in light of Magnifica Humanitas.
Special attention will be given to:
- To analyze the possibilities, limits, and ethical challenges that AI poses for human dignity, the search for truth, moral responsibility, and the common good.
- To present the current state and development prospects of artificial intelligence, with special attention to its applications in science, medicine, and other areas of human life, as well as its convergence with other emerging technologies such as biotechnology, nanotechnology, and neurotechnology.
- To reflect on the conditions required for its development and service to human dignity, freedom, responsibility, the common good, and the protection of the most vulnerable people.
The Conference is addressed to researchers, scientists, doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, philosophers, theologians, teachers, and trainers in general. Moreover, everyone interested in learning how to address bioethical dilemmas with rational arguments.
PAPER SUBMISSIONS
The Conference will accept papers and posters. The participation requirements will be announced by the end of September 2026.
While we await this new gathering, we invite you to relive the best moments of the 2025 Conference through the highlights video of the last edition.
“Technology is cumulative, but wisdom is not.
We will become increasingly powerful scientifically and technologically, and perhaps more dangerous, but unfortunately, we will not become increasingly wiser”.
Jérôme Lejeune
Program 2027
TOPIC AREAS
The Conference is structured around 4 major topics:
Topic 1. Science, development, and validation of artificial intelligence:
This Topic will offer a rigorous and accessible overview of the scientific and technological foundations of artificial intelligence. It will examine how AI systems work, their training, validation, and applications, as well as the possibilities and limits of generative AI. It will also study issues such as algorithm explainability, bias, reproducibility, robustness, and safety as necessary conditions for the responsible and ethical development of these technologies.
Topic 2. Anthropological and philosophical foundations:
This topic will examine the nature of human intelligence and the place of artificial intelligence in relation to it. In the light of Magnifica Humanitas, it will reflect on consciousness, freedom, truth, practical rationality, and moral responsibility, deepening the differences between human intelligence and artificial intelligence. It will also address human dignity and the risk of reducing the human being to a set of data or computational processes.
Topic 3. Artificial intelligence, medicine, and clinical bioethics:
This topic will analyze the impact of artificial intelligence on medicine and biomedical research. It will study its applications in diagnosis, genetics, oncology, mental health, telemedicine, and end-of-life care, together with the bioethical challenges they raise. Special attention will be given to professional responsibility, the doctor-patient relationship, informed consent, the protection of personal data, and AI-assisted clinical decision-making, always respecting the dignity of each patient.
Topic 4. Emerging technologies and the human future:
This topic will explore the convergence between artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies such as neurotechnologies, biotechnology, advanced robotics, and quantum computing, and their influence on the future of humanity. It will address issues such as neuro-rights, biometric surveillance, digital identity, and autonomous systems, as well as the ethical challenges arising from genetic editing and eugenic selection. From the perspective of Magnifica Humanitas, it will reflect on how to guide these technologies in the service of the person, justice, and the common good.
The detailed program for the 4th Jérôme Lejeune International Bioethics Conference will be available soon.
8.00 am – 9.00 am Welcome and registration
9.00 am – 9.15 am Opening speech
I have only one recommendation: the truth, the truth again, always the truth. Jérôme Lejeune
- Mr. Jean-Marie Le Méné, President of the Fondation Jérôme Lejeune. Ordinary Member of the Pontifical Academy for Life. France.
- Prof. Mónica López Barahona, President of the International Chair of Bioethics Jérôme Lejeune. Ordinary Member of the Pontifical Academy for Life. Spain.
9.15 am – 10.00 am Inaugural lecture: SCIENCE AND BIOETHICS AT THE SERVICE OF TRUTH
The immense spread of the tree of science that covers humanity must not hide the light from us. Jérôme Lejeune
- Chair: Prof. Mónica López Barahona, President of the International Chair of Bioethics Jérôme Lejeune. Ordinary Member of the Pontifical Academy for Life. Spain.
- His Eminence Cardinal Willem Jacobus Eijk, Metropolitan Archbishop of Utrecht. Physician. Ordinary Member of the Pontifical Academy for Life. Netherland.
10.00 am – 10.50 am Lecture: CAN IMMUTABLE TRUTH STAND UP TO THE TRUTHS OF SCIENCE?
There is no known divorce between today’s science and the religion of the past. Jérôme Lejeune
- Chair: Prof. Elena Postigo Solana, Academic Director of the International Chair of Bioethics Jérôme Lejeune. Corresponding Member of the Pontifical Academy for Life. Spain.
- Prof. Juan Arana Cañedo-Argüelles, Professor of Philosophy of Science at the Universidad de Sevilla. Full Member of the Real Academia de Ciencias Morales y Políticas. Spain.
- Questions & Discussion.
10.50 am – 11.20 am Coffee break
11.20 am – 12.10 pm Lecture: CAN SCIENCE LEAD US TO TRUTH AND BY WHICH ROUTE?
Religion and science: how can there be a contradiction between the true and the verified? It’s always the latter that is late. Jérôme Lejeune
- Chair: Ms. Aude Dugast, Academic Director of the International Chair of Bioethics Jérôme Lejeune, French section. France.
- Prof. Bernard Schumacher, Professor of Philosophy and Ethics at Université de Fribourg and at Institut Philanthropos. Switzerland.
- Questions & Discussion.
12.10pm – 1.00 pm Lecture: DOES A NATURAL LAW EXIST?
Humanity is now faced with the fact that its survival depends on the acceptance by all nations of moral precepts transcending all systems and speculations. Jérôme Lejeune
- Chair: Prof. Jeffrey Walkey, Associate Professor of Theology at Ave Maria University. United States of America.
- Prof. Thibaud Collin, Philosopher and essayist, specialist in Moral and Political Philosophy, Professor of Philosophy in Preparatory Classes at Collège Stanislas in Paris. France.
- Questions & Discussion.
1.00 pm – 2.30 pm Lunch break
2.30 pm – 3.20 pm Lecture: ETHICS OF THE SITUATION OR IN THE SITUATION? HOW TO ESTABLISH MORAL TRUTH IN BIOETHICAL ACTION
One sentence, just one, will dictate our conduct, the argument that does not deceive and which, moreover, judges everything, the very word of Jesus: “What you did to the least of these, you did to me”. Jérôme Lejeune
- Chair: Prof. John A. Di Camillo, Doctor in Bioethics at the Ateneo Pontificio Regina Apostolorum in Rome. President of The National Catholic Bioethics Center (NCBC). United States of America.
- Prof. Stephan Kampowski, Professor of Philosophical Anthropology at the Pontificio Istituto Teologico “Giovanni Paolo II” per le Scienze del Matrimonio e della Famiglia. Italy.
- Questions & Discussion.
3.20 pm – 4.45 pm Panel: TRUTH AND MEDICAL DEONTOLOGY: THE CASE OF GENETIC COUNSELING
The man who could tell parents that their child is seriously ill, and not feel his heart sink at the thought of the pain that will overwhelm them, would not be worthy of our profession. But we don’t protect against misfortune by committing a crime; we don’t relieve the pain of one human being by killing another. Jérôme Lejeune
- Chair: Dr. Pilar García, Doctor of Medicine and Surgery; Medical Director, Jérôme Lejeune Institute in Madrid. Spain.
- Prof. Teresa Perucho Alcalde, Clinical and Molecular Geneticist of the Unit of Genomic Medicine at Clínica Universidad de Navarra. Spain.
- Prof. Emmanuel Sapin, Professor Emeritus of Pediatric and Neonatal Surgery at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire CHU de Dijon. France.
- Dr. Robin Pierucci, MA, Neonatologist. Director and Founder of Navigating Fetal Concerns Clinic. Co-Chair of the American College of Pediatricians (ACPeds) ProLife Committee. Member of the Catholic Medical Association. United States of America.
- Questions & Discussion.
4.45 pm – 5.15 m Coffee break
5.15 pm – 6.30 pm Panel: TRUTH AND CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION
I’m going to have to speak out publicly to defend our patients. If I don’t defend them, I’m betraying them. Jérôme Lejeune
- Chair: Prof. Guillermo A. Morales Sancho, Lawyer specialized in Constitutional and Human Rights Law. Legal Counselor in Europe for ADF International in Vienna. Austria.
- Prof. Grégor Puppinck, Director of the European Centre for Law and Justice. France.
- Prof. Jorge Nicolás Lafferriere, Doctor of Legal Sciences at the Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina. Director of the Centro de Bioética, Persona y Familia. Argentina.
- Questions & Discussion.
End of the first day.
8.30 am – 9.30 am Registration
9.30 am – 10.15 am Lecture: THE TRUTH ABOUT MAN: HOW TO CONFRONT GENDER DYSPHORIA?
When people say to me: “Human nature is an opinion of some geneticists”, I reply that it is nature that has imposed this opinion, not us who have imposed it on nature! Jérôme Lejeune
- Chair: Ms. Françoise Raguet, Founder of a Bioethics training program for young people. France.
- Prof. Emmanuel Sapin, Professor Emeritus of Pediatric and Neonatal Surgery at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire CHU de Dijon. France.
- Questions & Discussion.
10.15 am – 11.40 am Panel: THE TRUTH AT THE BEGINNING OF HUMANITY: THE CREATION OF THE WORLD AND THE APPEARANCE OF MAN ON EARTH
The appearance of man is really quite astonishing to the most objective scientist. […] It’s hard to see how natural selection could have foreseen all this! Jérôme Lejeune
- Chair: Prof. Enzo Pennetta, Biologist. Professor of Natural Sciences. Essayist and author of Inquiry into Darwinism. Italy.
- Prof. Michael D. Taylor, Philosopher, Thomas More College of Liberal Arts. Author of the award-winning The Foundations of Nature: Metaphysics of Gift for an Integral Ecological Ethic. United States of America.
- Dr. Angelo Carfì, Doctor of Astronomy. Surgeon at the Policlinico Universitario Fondazione Agostino Gemelli. Italy.
- Mr. Olivier Bonnassies, Entrepreneur. Graduate of Polytechnique and Theology from the Institut Catholique de Paris. Author of Dieu, la science, les preuves : l’aube d’une révolution. France.
- Questions & Discussion
11.40 am – 12.00 pm Break
12.00 pm – 12.45 pm Lecture: JÉRÔME LEJEUNE: WHEN THE PURSUIT OF TRUTH MAKES SCIENCE ADVANCE
Respecting human nature does not prevent progress, but rather stimulates it. Jérôme Lejeune
- Chair: Mr. Mark Bradford, Fellow for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Word on Fire Institute. United States of America.
- Mr. Jean-Marie Le Méné, President of the Fondation Jérôme Lejeune. Ordinary Member of the Pontifical Academy for Life. France.
- Questions & Discussion.
12.45 pm – 1.15 pm Closing speech
- Chair: Ms. Costanza Miriano, Journalist and writer, RAI Vaticano. Italy.
- Mr. Jean-Marie Le Méné, President of the Fondation Jérôme Lejeune. Ordinary Member of the Pontifical Academy for Life. France.
End of the Conference.
Registration
When?
May 7th – 8th, 2027
Attention: We recommend booking your dates, flights, and accommodation in advance. That weekend coincides with the Feast of the Ascension, so there will be high demand for lodging and reservations.
Follow us online!
You can connect online through the following link. If prompted for a meeting code and password upon entry, we provide the information:
- Meeting ID: 862 2946 2936
- Access code: 425371
Additionally, you can choose the language in which to follow the sessions on the bottom toolbar. They will be available in Spanish, French, English, or Italian.
Where?
Pontificio Istituto Patristico Augustinianum
Via Paolo VI, 25
Rome (Italy)
Prices
Registration required.
Until April 30th:
- General Public: €25
- Students: €10
- Priests, religious, and consecrated persons: Free entrance
- Online attendance: €10*
From May 1st:
- General Public: €50
- Students: €20
- Priests, religious, and consecrated persons: Free entrance
- Online attendance: €20*
* Enjoy the 3rd International Bioethics Conference live with exclusive access to all conferences, debates, and Q&A sessions with simultaneous translation into English, French, Italian, and Spanish.
Practical Information
We provide information on how to get to the Conference; transportation, accommodation, and restaurants in Rome; as well as practical tips so you can simply enjoy your time in Rome.
Organizing Committee
Mr. Jean-Marie Le Méné, President of the Fondation Jérôme Lejeune. Ordinary Member of the Pontifical Academy for Life. France.
Prof. Mónica López Barahona, President of the Jérôme Lejeune Foundation Spain. Ordinary Member of the Pontifical Academy for Life. Spain.
Ms. Aude Dugast, Academic Director of the International Chair of Bioethics Jérôme Lejeune, French section. France.
Mr. Grégoire François-Dainville, General Manager of the Fondation Jérôme Lejeune. France.
Prof. Elena Postigo Solana, President of the International Chair of Bioethics Jérôme Lejeune and Academic Director of the Spanish section. Corresponding Member of the Pontifical Academy for Life. Spain.
Mr. Pablo Siegrist Ridruejo, General Manager of the Jérôme Lejeune Foundation Spain.
Ms. Rafaela de la Brena, Education Coordinator of the International Chair of Bioethics Jérôme Lejeune, Spanish section. Spain.
Ms. Laura Gotti Tedeschi, Education Coordinator of the International Chair of Bioethics Jérôme Lejeune, English and Italian section. Spain.
Sponsorship plan
Sponsors
Partners
Collaborating entities
SPONSORS:
Fondation Jérôme Lejeune, France
Knights of Columbus, United States of America
PARTNERS:
Ave Maria University, United States of America
Catholic University of America, United States of America
Fertilitas, Spain
Nicholas Cardinal Cheong Graduate School for Life, The Catholic University of Korea, Korea
Word on Fire, United States of America
COLLABORATING ENTITIES:
ADF International, Austria
Akademia Bioetyki, Poland
Asociación de Médicos Jérôme Lejeune, Spain
Asociación Española de Bioética y Ética Médica (AEBI), Spain
Association des amis du Pr. Jérôme Lejeune, France
Ateneo Pontificio Regina Apostolorum, Italy
BioeticaRed, Spain
Catholic Medical Association, United States of America
Centro Anáhuac de Desarrollo Estratégico en Bioética (CADEBI), Mexico
Centro de Bioética, Persona y Familia, Argentina
Donum Vitae Institute, United States of America
Ethics & Public Policy Center (EPPC), United States of America
Federación Internacional de Bioética Personalista (FIBIP), International
Fédération des Associations de Familles Catholiques en Europe (FAFCE), Europe
Fédération Européenne des Associations de Médicins Catholiques (FEAMC), Europe
Fédération Internationale des Associations Médicales Catholiques (FIAMC), International
Fundación de Bioética, Costa Rica
Human Life International, United States of America
Instituto Pius, Brazil
Jérôme Lejeune School, Canada
Kennedy Institute of Ethics, Georgetown University, United States of America
Lejeune Clinic, United Kingdom
Movimento per la Vita, Italy
National Catholic Bioethics Center (NCBC), United States of America
Pellegrino Center for Clinical Bioethics, Georgetown University, United States of America
Philanthropos, Switzerland
Polska Federacja Ruchów Obrony Życia, Poland
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Argentina, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Argentina
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Argentina, Instituto de Bioética, Argentina
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Ecuador, Sede Santo Domingo, Ecuador
Pontificia Università della Santa Croce, Italy
Strathmore University, Institute for Family Studies & Ethics, Kenya
Thomas More College of Liberal Arts, United States of America
Universidad Anáhuac de México, Facultad de Bioética, Mexico
Universidad Católica de Ávila, Spain
Universidad Católica de Santa Fe, Argentina
Universidad Católica de Valencia, Observatorio de Bioética, Spain
Universidad de Navarra, Spain
Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (UFV), Spain
Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Italy
Université Officielle de Mbuji-mayi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
World Youth Alliance, International
Press Room
Welcome to our Press Room
In this space, you’ll find official statements, press releases, and resources for journalists. Our goal is to keep you informed with up-to-date and easily accessible content about the 3rd International Bioethics Conference, the International Chair of Bioethics Jérôme Lejeune, and the Jérôme Lejeune Foundation. Whether you’re a member of the press or simply want to learn more about us, you’ll find the information you need here.
For further information, please do not hesitate to contact us:
Laura Gotti Tedeschi lgotti@fundacionlejeune.es
We are looking for sponsors,
do you want to collaborate?
The International Chair of Bioethics Jérôme Lejeune is looking for companies, associations and individuals who wish to collaborate in the organization of the upcoming International Bioethics Conference.
Would you like to join us? Send us an email to contacto@catedrabioeticalejeune.org with the subject “Sponsor 4th International Bioethics Conference” and we will contact you.
Many thanks for your help!