Pope Leo XIV And Just War Theory in the Catholic Tradition, Webinar

Professor Darius von Güttner Sporzyński
Professor von Güttner is Campus Dean at the Australian Catholic University in Canberra and an internationally recognised historian specialising in medieval and early modern Europe, Christianity, the crusades, and holy war. His research explores how Christian ideas about war, faith, and identity developed within the Catholic tradition. Author of Poland, Holy War, and the Piast Monarchy, Professor von Güttner brings deep historical insight to contemporary discussions about Just War theory, peace, conscience, and the moral challenges facing the Church today.

Robert Fitzgerald AM
Robert is a lawyer by profession and is currently the NSW Ageing and Disability Commissioner. Previously, Robert has held the roles of Productivity Commissioner, Community and Disability Services Commissioner and Deputy Ombudsman in NSW. From 2012, for three years, he was the inaugural Chair of the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission Advisory Board. The Australian Government also appointed Robert as a Commissioner on the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, from 2013 to 2017. Robert has served on numerous faith-based and other non-government organisations, including as NSW State President of the St Vincent de Paul Society, National Committee Member of Australian Catholic Relief, member of NSW Catholic Commission for Employment Relations, and President of the Australian Council of Social Services. He is currently on the Board of Emerging Futures Collaborative Ltd and Chair of Caritas Australia. He has been an Adjunct Professor at Australian Catholic University and is currently an Adjunct Professor at the University of Western Australia.

Andrea Dean
Andrea is Chair of WATAC (Women and the Australian Church) and a long-standing advocate for the full participation, leadership, and recognition of women in church life and theology. She is one of its leading contemporary figures, serving as national chair/president and helping guide the organisation through a period of renewal and public engagement. Andrea has a background in Catholic ministry, education, spirituality, and women’s leadership and is a lifelong advocate for women in education, ministry, and spirituality. Andrea’s vision was central to the launch of the “Australian Women Preach” podcast project, developed jointly by WATAC and The Grail in Australia. The project showcased women preaching and reflecting on the Gospel in the lead-up to the Plenary Council and after. The initiative elevated women’s theological voices and modelled a more inclusive Church.