That’s right, the Catholic Church will be participating in a panel discussion titled Compassionate Disruption: The Vatican and Innovation. It will feature Bishop Paul Tighe, the adjunct secretary to the Pontifical Council of Culture, along with a myriad of tech influencers and Catholic leaders to discuss faith and innovation in the world today. It will be a historic first for both SXSW and the Catholic Church, as one of the highest profile events in the history of the conference. While SXSW feels like the last place religion would participate, the Vatican’s involvement is a huge step in the right direction for everyone involved. Inclusion, in its many forms, can change the way people think, something the Vatican and the tech community are on a mission to do on a daily basis. And if you don’t believe, just ask The Pope. The event will be held on Sunday, March 12 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Austin Zilker Ballroom 2 during the first week of the 10-day long digital, music and film festival. Bishop Paul Tighe will join Christoph Krachten, founder of VideoDays, and Dr. Michael Hertl of Catholic TV Germany as panelists, all moderated by Osman, the incoming President of SIGNIS North America and former chief communications officer of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops.
