Rocco Buttiglione, Leading European Statesman and Close Personal Friend of Blessed Pope John Paul II, To Give Public Lectures at Franciscan University

Steubenville, OH — The Dietrich von Hildebrand Legacy Project is hosting its first Distinguished Visiting Scholar in Prof. Rocco Buttiglione, the acclaimed Italian philosopher, Catholic statesman, and close personal friend of Blessed Pope John Paul II, for a public lecture at Franciscan University.

In his talk, “My Friendship with a Saint: What Blessed John Paul II Taught me About Christian Witness,” Prof. Buttiglione will distill Pope John Paul II’s understanding of Christian witness, drawing on his unique vantage point as friend, trusted adviser, and spiritual son. The lecture will be given on Monday, Oct. 21, at 7:00pm EST, in the Gentile Gallery of the J.C. Williams Center.

Prof. Buttiglione is among the most prominent Catholic intellectuals in Italian public life today. He is currently a member of the Italian Chamber of Deputies (1994-present), professor of political science at Saint Pius V University in Rome, and member of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences. He previously served as Italian Minister for European Affairs (2001-2005) and then as Italian Minister for Cultural Assets and Activities (2005-2006).

While at Franciscan University, Prof. Buttiglione will also deliver the Philosophy Department’s annual Edith Stein Lecture on the topic: “Beyond Descartes: Intersubjectivity as Ground of Knowledge of the Self.”  That lecture will be given on Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 4:00pm EST in the Gentile Gallery of the J.C. Williams Center.

Both lectures are free and open to the public.