Center on Religion and Culture

I Was a Stranger Film Screening

In collaboration with Justice Film Festival

February 25, 2026 | 6:30 p.m.
Fordham University at Lincoln Center | McNally Amphitheatre
140 West 62nd Street | New York, NY 10023

This free screening of I Was a Stranger on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, is offered in collaboration with Justice Film Festival.

A talkback discussion will follow the screening, featuring Andy Peterson, director of Justice Film Festival, and Fadi Skeiker, Fordham theater professor and Syrian native who uses theater to advance social justice. He has taught drama therapy workshops for refugees from Afghanistan, Ukraine, Syria, and Iraq.

​SYNOPSIS: A doctor, a soldier, a smuggler, a father, and a captain each one on their own journey. Their paths cross in a desperate pursuit of safety and a sense of belonging. Set across four countries and inspired by real stories from the frontlines of the refugee crisis, this sweeping drama captures the heartbreak, danger, and fragile beauty of those who dare to start over when the world gives them nothing. Starring Omar Sy of Lupin and The Intouchables. Directed by Brandt Anderson.

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Sam Hunter on Writing for Stage and Screen

The award-winning playwright and screenwriter behind The Whale talks about the writing life and finding hope in the everyday

March 2, 2026 | 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. 
Fordham University at Lincoln Center | McNally Amphitheatre
140 West 62nd Street | New York, NY 10023

A one-hour conversation with playwright and screenwriter Sam Hunter (The Whale, Little Bear Ridge Road, A Bright New Boise, A Case for the Existence of God). Jim McDermott, theater critic and entertainment writer, and May Adrales, director of the Fordham theatre program, will moderate the conversation. The event is a collaboration between the Center on Religion and Culture and Fordham Theatre.

​This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required.

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Pope Leo XIV: Assessing his first year

The 2026 Russo Lecture

Vatican experts and longtime acquaintances of the first American pope on what we have learned and what the future may hold 

March 19, 2026 | 6:00pm-7:00pm 
Tognino Hall | Duane Library
Fordham University’s Bronx Campus at Rose Hill 

A panel of experts and friends of Pope Leo discuss Robert Prevost’s life before he became pope, why he was elected, what this first year showed us, and what his papacy will mean for the Catholic Church, and for the world. 

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This lecture is made possible by the Russo Family Foundation in memory of Wanda and Robert Russo Sr., M.D., FCRH ’39

REGISTRATION IS FREE BUT SPACE IS LIMITED 

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Authors Gerard O’Connell and Elisabetta Piqué on The Election of Pope Leo XIV

In collaboration with America Media

March 25, 2026 | 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. 
Fordham University at Lincoln Center | 12th Floor Lounge
113 W 60th Street | New York, NY 10023

Please join the Center on Religion and Culture and America Media to celebrate Orbis Books' publication of The Election of Pope Leo XIV: The Last Surprise of Pope Francis on Wednesday, March 25th, from 6:00-7:30pm.

​Authors Gerard O’Connell, senior Vatican correspondent at America Media, and Elisabetta Piqué, correspondent for La Nacion, the Argentine daily published in Buenos Aires, and author of three books including Francis, Life and Revolution, will talk about the conclave and their book, and take questions from the audience.

​Light bites and drinks will be served. Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase.

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