New York.On January 30 and 31, 2026, the seminar “Ethics and Values in the Era of Artificial Intelligence” was held at Seton Hall University, bringing together undergraduate and graduate students, alumni, young professionals, academics, and community leaders for two days of dialogue on business, culture, ethics, religion, and social responsibility in the age of AI.
The program was organized in collaboration with Seton Hall University’s Center for Catholic Studies, the G.K. Chesterton Institute for Faith & Culture, Campus Ministry, and the J.A. Unanue Latino Institute, alongside Somos Community Care, Basilica Management, and Young Catholic Professionals of Northern New Jersey. This broad institutional collaboration reflected a shared commitment to forming leaders capable of engaging emerging technologies through the lens of Catholic values, compassion, and the common good.
Friday’s session, designed for undergraduate students, opened with welcome remarks by Patrick Manning, Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology and Director of the Center for Catholic Studies. The program included a presentation by Stephen G. Adubato on religion, media, culture, and AI, followed by a session led by Steven Pomponio addressing AI, analytics, and ethical leadership in professional environments. Structured table discussions encouraged active student participation. The day concluded with a wrap-up dialogue led by Mario J. Paredes.
Saturday’s program expanded to include graduate students, alumni, and young Catholic professionals. Opening remarks were offered by Shariff de los Santos and Ramon Tallaj Urena, co-founders of Basilica Management. Sessions featured Steven Pomponio, Eric Figueroa on AI, economics, and the workforce, and Lara Bersano on ethics, values, and human dignity in the age of artificial intelligence. The seminar concluded with group discussions, student presentations, and an open dialogue facilitated by Mario Paredes, followed by an optional Mass.
The full conference by Lara Bersano can be viewed on the YouTube channel of the International Academy of Catholic Leaders.