Leonardo Franchi

Professor Leonardo Franchi is a Professorial Research Fellow in Catholic Education at the University of Notre Dame, Sydney Campus, within the School of Philosophy & Theology. He also teaches at the University of Glasgow, where he previously served as Director of Catholic Teacher Education from 2012 to 2016. Appointed in September 2022, he works at 0.5 FTE, indicating a part-time academic role. He is actively involved in international research networks, including the Association of Catholic Institutes of Education (ACISE) and the International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU).

His research lies at the intersection of theology and education, with a focus on Catholic identity, religious and moral education, teacher formation, curriculum development, and the liberal arts. He has supervised doctoral students on topics including Music in Islamic Education, Intercultural Education in Cyprus, and teacher confidence in Catholic settings.

His recent publications reflect a consistent engagement with Catholic educational mission, pedagogy, and theological foundations. Themes include the integration of Catholic social teaching (e.g., Laudato Si', Fratelli tutti), the role of the liberal arts, spiritual development, and the identity of Catholic schools as spaces of dialogue and inclusion. His work appears in journals such as Religions, Journal of Catholic Education, and International Studies in Catholic Education.

Franchi holds significant editorial roles, serving as Series Editor for Catholic Education Globally (Springer) and Education and Integral Human Development (CUA Press). He is a member of editorial boards for Studia Pedagogica Ignatiana, Review of Religious Education and Theology, and Educa: International Journal of Catholic Education. He has also contributed to public scholarship through podcasts, webinars, and media articles.

• Member, Executive, Association of Catholic Institutes of Education (ACISE), 2016–present
• Council Member, Scottish Catholic Historical Association (SCHA), 2019–present
• Co-convenor, Scottish Catholic Historical Association, from September 2024
• External Consultant, Centre for the Transformation of Catholic Education, Catholic University of America, 2022
• Foundation Director, Mater Christi Multi-Academy Trust, Lancaster, 2021–2023

He supervises doctoral students and advises on Catholic educational policy, including participation in the Academic Advisory Forum for the Reform of Religious Education in England and Wales (2018–2020). He has led major academic colloquia and served as an external reviewer for accreditation processes. His work bridges academic scholarship, institutional leadership, and ecclesial engagement.