The ATIME Student Summer Conference
Continues Its Activities in Cairo
With a Visit from His Beatitude Patriarch Anba Ibrahim Isaac Sidrak
And Explores Human Dignity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
You can find some photos at the end of the text.
Cairo, Egypt | 14 July 2026
The second day of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME) Student Summer Conference began with morning prayer according to the Catholic tradition. The prayer was led by Rev. Fr. Antoine Al Ahmar, Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), together with Sr. Rose Abi Aad, ATIME Associate Executive Secretary. The biblical meditation was delivered by Dr. Laurent Yacoub (Theology student from Saint Joseph University of Beirut), inviting participants to begin the day in prayerful reflection before entering into the conference sessions.
The morning lecture, entitled “Human Dignity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: A Catholic Approach,” was delivered by Rev. Fr. Abram Maher of the Coptic Catholic Church. Drawing from the Catholic theological tradition, Fr. Maher reflected on the enduring dignity of every human person as created in the image of God, and explored how the rapid development of artificial intelligence challenges Christians to safeguard this dignity while engaging responsibly with new technologies.
Later in the day, participants paid a visit to His Beatitude Patriarch Anba Ibrahim Isaac Sidrak, Patriarch of Alexandria of the Coptic Catholics, at the Coptic Catholic Seminary in Maadi. His Beatitude warmly welcomed the ATIME delegation and began by recalling his own journey within ATIME—as a student, later as a faculty member, and eventually Dean of the Faculty of Theology—highlighting the formative role the Association has played in his life and ministry.
In his address, the Patriarch presented five pillars for a living theology capable of responding to the needs of today’s world:
1. To become the voice of humanity in the age of artificial intelligence.
2. To offer a healing theology in a world marked by a crisis of meaning.
3. To engage in dialogue with gentleness, humility, and respect.
4. To cultivate steadfastness with flexibility in a time of cultural fluidity—firm like roots, yet flexible like branches.
5. To embody servant leadership and authentic credibility.
Concluding his reflection, His Beatitude emphasized that today’s world is in great need of wisdom. While theological education equips students with knowledge, he reminded participants that only the Holy Spirit grants the wisdom to use that knowledge rightly in service of God and humanity.
The visit also included an exchange of gifts between His Eminence Anba Bijol, President of ATIME, who joined the delegation for the occasion, and His Beatitude the Patriarch. As a gesture of hospitality, the Patriarch presented commemorative gifts to each member of the ATIME Board and to every student participant.
Following the official meeting, Rev. Fr. Giovanni, Rector of the Seminary, guided the students on a tour of the seminary campus, offering them an opportunity to become acquainted with its history, mission, and formation programs. The delegation then shared lunch with His Beatitude, enjoying a time of warm fellowship and informal conversation.
The afternoon program continued with a lecture by Dr. Marco Abdo, Assistant Professor of Computer and AI at New Cairo High Institute of Computer and Management Information Systems, entitled “Artificial Intelligence and the Applied Dimension,” examining practical applications of artificial intelligence and the ethical questions arising from its implementation in contemporary society. As in previous sessions, the lecture was followed by interactive workshops, where participants worked in small ecumenical groups to discuss the themes presented, exchange perspectives, and deepen their shared reflection.
