Encounter Tampa Bay features presentations, conversations, and panel discussions that encourage and invite those present to encounter new ideas, engage in meaningful dialogue, and discover how faith speaks to the world around us.  

This year’s theme is “What is Human in Humanity?”, diving into the recent encyclical from Pope Leo XIV: Magnifica Humanitas. As our world becomes increasingly full of distractions, it becomes easy to lose sight of what makes us human. Together, we can heed Pope Leo XIV’s call to protect our humanity and create a culture that allows us to flourish.

This event will feature a presentation, a panel discussion, and an exhibit. The feature presentation will explore Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, which reflects on human dignity and the common good in an age increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. Father Ralph D’Elia, priest secretary and master of ceremonies and chaplain of St. Petersburg Catholic High School will offer an introduction to the document and invite attendees to consider what it means to protect and promote what is truly human in a rapidly changing technological world.

As artificial intelligence and other technologies are transforming how we work, learn, communicate, and live, we must examine what happens when technology begins to shape not only what we do, but how we understand ourselves and one another. A diverse panel of experts will explore the opportunities and challenges technology presents and consider how we can ensure it serves the human person rather than the other way around. This panel will feature Christine Rosen from the American Enterprise Institute, Lily Abadal who is a philosopher, applied ethicist and educational consultant at the University of South Florida, Carlos Crestana who is an AI product manager at Disney World, and Alberto Desimoni who is an assistant professor of classics at North Carolina State University.

Additionally, there will be an exhibit titled He Has Put Eternity in Man’s Heart for those in attendance to experience. This exhibit examines the life of Servant of God Sister Clare Crockett, a vibrant young Irish woman who left behind her dreams of an acting career and Hollywood fame to embrace a completely different calling: becoming a Catholic religious sister. Her story offers a moving reflection on vocation, sacrifice, joy, and the search for a life of deeper meaning.

Join us for an afternoon of exploring aspects of faith and culture and encountering Christ.

Attendance is free, but registration is requested. Click here for more information. Click here to register.