The conference commemorated the centenary of the historic initiative promoted by Pope Pius XI within the Holy Year of 1925. This spectacular Vatican Universal Mission Exposition attracted 800.000 out of 1 million pilgrims visiting the Exposition from 1 December 1924 to 10 January 1926. Over 100,000 objects from 55 religious congregations and 187 missions from all continents were displayed in 26 pavilions at the Vatican. And the success of the exposition induced Pius XI to establish the Missionary Ethnological Museum first at the Lateran Palace (1927-1963) and then at the Vatican Museums (since 1973). Our Society was on the forefront of these events as Fr. Schmidt was the key personality in the organization of the Exposition as its intellectual architect and Pius XI entrusted him with the organization and the direction of the museum as scientific director and Society continued the management of the museum under our two following directors-ethnologists: Fr. Michael Schulien (1939-1968) and Jòzef Penkowski (1969-1996).

The conference was well attended by students, featuring presentations from thirteen historians, anthropologists, museographers, and internationally renowned experts from Italy, France, Spain, and the USA. They explored various perspectives, beginning with the global context of the Jubilee Year under Pope Pius XI (1922-1939). Known as the “learned Pope.” Pope Ratti recognized the profound upheaval following World War I and the new challenges facing missions. The post-war international order was marked by the collapse of empires and the emergence of numerous new nation-states. He understood the need to strengthen the Church’s universality to counteract the powerful forces of nationalism that led to wars.

On the other hand, the Exposition showcased the emergence of a global world. The Exposition and Museum were vital for envisioning missions based on scientific principles. During the afternoon sessions, Fr. Schmidt was frequently mentioned. One presentation focused specifically on his contributions to the Exposition and Museum, detailing the context of his involvement as the head of the special scientific subcommittee. Aware of Schmidt’s talents and ambitious scientific agenda, Pius XI enlisted his help to promote a robust missiology rooted in science. Fr. Schmidt was responsible for the ethnological Pavilion, where he showcased his key theories of cultural circles and primordial monotheism through various objects. For the first time the development of religions was presented in relation to overall culture.

Other members of the editorial committee of Anthropos, including Frs. Koppers, Kreichgauer, Schebesta, Schulien, and Gusinde, also played roles in conceptualizing and organizing the ethnological section. The well-structured logic of the missionary synthesis highlighted the importance of indigenous cultures, challenging the prevailing theories of the time. Schmidt framed indigenous peoples within the context of world history and emphasized the intrinsic value of their cultures. This was the first time the Catholic Church undertook such a major project on a global scale, presenting not only the religious aspects of Catholic missions but also their scientific and cultural achievements in the context of a globalizing world. The exhibition was crucial in affirming the relevance of the Church in the modern era. Schmidt underscored the relationship between science and mission, ultimately aiming to construct an apology for faith grounded in scientific principles.

In his concluding address at the conference, Card. Antonio Gokim Tagle, the Pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization and Grand Chancellor of the Pontifical Urbaniana University, warned about the devastating consequences of limitless consumerism and various forms of superficial individualism. This mentality fosters a desire to build everything from scratch, resulting in a loss of historical consciousness. Such loss gives rise to ideologies of many kinds, which particularly appeal to young people who disregard history and reject the spiritual and cultural richness passed down through generations. He quoted a Filipino saying: “He who does not know how to look back at where he came from will never get to his destination.” Additionally, he strongly advocated for inter- and transdisciplinary research rooted in the unity of human knowledge.