NAFCCC 2026: technology, war and the human soul. Chaplancies at the crossroads of innovation and ethics.

15 Jun 2026, 09:00 → 19 Jun 2026, 10:00 Europe/Brussels

Novotel Leuven Centrum (Leuven)

The NATO Air Force Chaplains Consultative Committee (NAFCCC) is holding its annual conference this year in Leuven, Belgium.

All Air Force chaplains are invited to participate actively in this gathering where the theme this year is "Technology, War and the Human Soul. Chaplaincies at the Crossroads of Innovation and Ethics." It highlights the crucial role chaplains play as our Air Forces adapt to rapid technological and operational change. Your contribution is vital in supporting the moral resilience and wellbeing of our personnel in demanding environments.

How to get to Leuven by train.pdf

Monday 15 June

Check in and out: Arrival

1 Registration and Check In @ Novotel

The check in desk will be staffed by the Belgian Chaplaincy for the formal check-in.

Formal Events and Ceremonies: Formal opening and Walking dinner

Tuesday 16 June

Morning devotions and Breakfast

Transport

2 Arrival at airbase and guided tour

Welcome adress by the Base Commander of the 2Wing.
Guided tour to Florennes Air Base

Working Session: Working Session 1

3 Lunch

12:45 Move

4 Visit to F16 Hangar and Base Chapel

14:45 Move

5 Lecture

Lecture by Prof. Dr. D. Lambert – Military AI and Autonomous Robotics. How to face new Ethical Issues?

6 Visit to Spitfire museum and farewell

Transport

Free time: Free Time

Wednesday 17 June

Morning devotions and Breakfast

Transport

7 Welcome and guided tour at air base

Working Session: Working Session 2

8 Group Picture

9 Lunch

Transport

Working Session: Business meetings

16:00 Move

Formal Events and Ceremonies: Ceremonie parc du cinquantenaire

17:30 Move

Formal Events and Ceremonies: Diner

Transport

Free time

Thursday 18 June

Morning devotions and Breakfast

10 Walk towards the auditorium

11 Arrival at auditorium Mgr. Romero

Working Session: Working session 3

12 Academic session

• Welcome and introduction by Drs. Matthias Ausloos
• Ius ad bellum, ius in bello regarding drones by Dr. Michaël Dewyn (OF-3 at RMA)
• The Encyclical Letter ‘Magnifica humanitas’: AI and the thoughts on war and peace of Pope Leo XIV. by Prof Jan De Volder
• Drones & ethics by Pastor David MacKain
• Q & A and panel discussion with all three speakers

13 Guided tour at the Heritage Library

Cultural Programme: Cultural moment in Leuven

14 Lunch at Brewery Domus

15 Guided tour in Leuven

Free time: Preparations

Transport

Formal Events and Ceremonies: Closing Gala

Transport

Friday 19 June

Morning devotions and Breakfast

Check in and out: Check-out and travel home