Church and World

A Catholic and Jesuit institution, Georgetown is home to a range of initiatives, centers, and programs that address the Catholic intellectual tradition and the role of the Church in the world.

The Theology Department offers a range of courses on the Catholic tradition, and the university’s Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life involves faculty, students, and the wider community in its events and programs. Through the Center for the Applied Research in the Apostolate, Georgetown supports inquiry into the challenges facing the Church, nationally and internationally. Additionally, the University’s Campus Ministry and Center for Social Justice Research, Teaching, and Service engage faculty, students, and staff in the Ignatian tradition of contemplation in action.

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Photo of the sculpture “Peter the Fisherman,” by Frederic Shrady located at Fordham University's Lincoln Center Campus

Final Report | Taking Responsibility: Jesuit Educational Institutions Confront the Causes and Legacy of Clergy Sexual Abuse

The Initiative was proud to be a part of the Taking Responsibility project led by Fordham University to better understand and address the causes and legacies of clergy sexual abuse. Read the complete final report on the Taking Responsibility website.

Pope Benedict XVI waving to worshippers.

Benedict XVI’s Most Powerful Influence on the Catholic Church Came Before He Was Pope

Georgetown To Co-Host Christian Literary Imagination Symposium and Conference

Georgetown’s Representative in Rome Releases Book on Pope Francis’ Encyclical Fratelli Tutti

Select Academic Programs

Ph.D. in Theological and Religious Studies

The Department of Theology sponsors this Ph.D. program with religious pluralism as a central focus. Students comparatively examine at least two major religions with respect to theology, ethics, and culture.

Major in Theology

Georgetown's Department of Theology sponsors this major for undergraduates. Students have four options for concentration: Christian theology, religious ethics, biblical studies, and religious studies.

Minor in Catholic Studies

The Minor in Catholic Studies allows students to engage the richness of the Catholic intellectual and cultural tradition with the various dimensions of human existence such as the arts, sciences, humanities, law, medicine, politics, business, and economics.

Select Centers, Institutes,
and Research Programs

A hand holds a U.S. flag, a Vatican flag, and a rosary

Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public LifeGeorgetown Unit

The Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life is an effort to promote dialogue on Catholic social thought and national and global issues, build bridges across ideological lines, and encourage a new generation of Catholic leaders to see their faith as assets in pursuing the common good.

Stained glass windows in the Dahlgren Chapel of the Sacred Heart

Center for Applied Research in the ApostolateGeorgetown Unit

The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate is a Georgetown-affiliated research center focusing on the American Catholic Church. It aims to increase the Church's self understanding, to serve the applied research needs of Church decision-makers, and to advance scholarly research on Catholicism.

Children stand with a CSJ student volunteer

Center for Social Justice Research, Teaching and ServiceGeorgetown Unit

Established in 2001, the Center for Social Justice Research, Teaching and Service is a center for service-based scholarship and community outreach in pursuit of the common good.

Upcoming Event

February 28

The Francis Factor at Ten Years

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Past Event

January 19

The Consistent Ethic of Life in 2023

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Past Event

December 12

The Christian Literary Imagination Symposium and Conference