Pope Leo XIV has appointed Msgr. Renzo Pegoraro as the new president of the Pontifical Academy for Life, succeeding Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia. Pegoraro, previously the academy's chancellor since 2011, is a bioethicist with a background in medicine, moral theology, and bioethics. The appointment signifies a transition in leadership for the academy, which focuses on promoting and defending human life. The outgoing president, Archbishop Paglia, has concluded his term, and Pegoraro's appointment suggests a continuation of the academy's mission.
8 days ago
Pope Leo XIV has appointed Msgr. Renzo Pegoraro as the new President of the Pontifical Academy for Life, succeeding Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia 1 3 6. Pegoraro, 65, previously served as the academy's chancellor since 2011 1 3. He is a trained surgeon and an expert in bioethics, with a background in medicine, moral theology, and nursing ethics 1 3 4 6 7.
The appointment has raised concerns among some Catholics, who view it as a sign of continuity with the direction set by Archbishop Paglia and Pope Francis 1 3. Critics point to Pegoraro's past statements, particularly his suggestion in a Wall Street Journal interview that contraception might be permissible in certain cases 1 3 5. This contradicts the Church's teaching against artificial birth control 1 3. Pegoraro also appeared to support academy members who favored assisted suicide as a way to prevent the legalization of euthanasia in Italy 1 3.
Dr. Thomas Ward, founder of the U.K.’s National Association of Catholic Families, expressed concern, stating he never recalled Pegoraro “disassociating himself from any of the egregious positions and comments of Archbishop Paglia” 1 3. Some observers worry that Pegoraro prioritizes "political pragmatism" over upholding Catholic doctrine 1. A former member of the academy described Pegoraro’s appointment as “not good news,” stating that he is in favor of changing Church teaching on life issues, especially contraception 5.
Archbishop Paglia's tenure as president, beginning in 2016, was marked by controversy 1 3 5. He implemented changes to the academy's statutes, including the removal of a requirement that members sign a statement affirming the Church's pro-life teachings 1 3. Paglia also appointed new members who publicly supported abortion or were self-declared atheists 1 3 5. One such appointment was Dr. John Nkengasong, who was congratulated by Planned Parenthood for expanding abortion services 1 3.
In 2022, the academy published a book, Theological Ethics of Life, which was criticized for contradicting Church teachings on contraception and assisted reproductive technologies 1 3. Paglia himself drew criticism for asserting that Italy's abortion law was a "pillar of society" and for seemingly supporting the decriminalization of assisted suicide 1 3 5. Paglia defended his vision for the academy as addressing a "broad range of issues that today affect life at its most basic level" and freeing discussions from "simplistic assumptions" 1 3. Archbishop Paglia concluded his service as President of the Pontifical Academy for Life, explaining that it is ordinary practice in the Roman Curia that, upon turning 80, all appointments expire 8.
Founded by St. John Paul II in 1994, the Pontifical Academy for Life was originally intended to promote and defend human life and the dignity of the person 1 3 5. It aimed to provide interdisciplinary dialogue and research on bioethical issues in light of Catholic moral theology 1 3. However, under Paglia's leadership, the academy was accused of drifting from its original mission and accommodating heterodox views 1 3. In response to these changes, some former members formed the John Paul II Academy for Human Life and the Family as an alternative 1 3. Pegoraro stated his intention to "work in continuity with the themes and methodology of recent years," while also highlighting issues such as global bioethics, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology 1 3.
How does the Church define and defend human dignity?
The Catholic Church defines and defends human dignity as an inherent and immeasurable value possessed by every individual, grounded in their creation in the image and likeness of God . This dignity is not dependent on age, condition, ability, or any human attribute, and it cannot be forfeited or taken away . The Church's commitment to defending human dignity is rooted in the Gospel and her mission to affirm human freedom and promote the rights of all people .
Here's a breakdown of how the Church defines and defends human dignity:
In summary, the Church defines human dignity as an intrinsic gift from God, present in every human being from conception, and defends it through its teachings, advocacy, and actions aimed at promoting justice, protecting the vulnerable, and upholding the rights and freedoms of all .