By José E. Hernández
Sofía Center
To foster dialogue between theological reflection and the health sciences, the Sofía Center and the School of Health and Sciences at the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón hosted the third edition of their Theology Conference. Held virtually, the event brought together local and international experts to examine palliative care through academic, clinical, and pastoral perspectives.
Under the theme “Theology in Dialogue with Palliative Care: An Academic, Professional, and Pastoral Perspective,” the conference created a space for meaningful conversations about caring for individuals living with serious illness or approaching the end of life. Discussions emphasized the importance of integrating scientific knowledge, clinical practice, and spiritual care to provide compassionate, person-centered support that upholds human dignity.
The conference was inspired by the call to build a culture of care, drawing on the teachings of Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV, who have encouraged communities to sustain hope and accompany people with compassion, even in life’s final stages. Guided by this vision, the event promoted an interdisciplinary dialogue on the complementary roles of faith and science in providing holistic care for patients and their families.
The program featured three thematic sessions addressing key dimensions of palliative care.
The academic session was led by Dr. Darren Henson, Senior Director of Formation at the Catholic Health Association in the United States, who examined the current landscape of palliative care and its continued development within the health sciences.
The professional session featured Dr. Liliana Viera Ortiz, a palliative care physician at Puerto Rico’s Trauma Hospital, who discussed the value of interdisciplinary collaboration and the implementation of comprehensive care models that address patients’ physical, emotional, and social needs.
The conference concluded with a pastoral reflection by Sister Ingrid M. Alicea Rivera, SDM, who highlighted the importance of spiritual accompaniment, compassionate presence, and preserving the dignity of patients and their loved ones throughout the care journey.
Each presentation concluded with a question-and-answer session, encouraging meaningful dialogue between speakers and participants.
Through the third edition of the Theology Conference, Sagrado reaffirmed its commitment to an interdisciplinary education that bridges faith and science while cultivating ethical leadership, compassion, and a deeper understanding of the needs of society’s most vulnerable communities.