Jan De Volder

Jan De Volder is a Professor at the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies, KU Leuven, holding the Cusanus Chair in 'Religion, Conflict and Peace.' He is affiliated with the Research Unit History of Church and Theology. His work focuses on wartime religious dynamics, interfaith dialogue, and conflict resolution. Recent research includes studies on Pius XII's papacy, Pope Francis' peace initiatives, and the role of the Catholic Church in historical conflicts like WWI and the Biafran War.

Key Research Themes:

• Churches in wartime contexts
• Interreligious dialogue mechanisms
• Historical Vatican diplomacy
• Modern papal geopolitics

His 2025 works analyze newly accessible Vatican archives regarding Pius XII and explore Pope Francis' peace strategies. Recent media engagements include commentary on papal elections and religious responses to global conflicts like Ukraine-Russia tensions.

Advising: Promoting three PhD projects on church-state dynamics in Nigeria, the Biafran War, and geopolitical narratives on Islam-Christian relations.

Labs/Teams: Active in the Cusanus Chair research group and collaborates with Sant'Egidio Community initiatives.