Msgr. Renzo Pegoraro Appointed President of Pontifical Academy for Life, Replacing Archbishop Paglia
Msgr. Renzo Pegoraro has been appointed as the new president of the Pontifical Academy for Life, succeeding Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia. Pegoraro, who previously served as the academy's chancellor since 2011, is a bioethicist with a background in medicine, moral theology, and bioethics. The appointment was made by Pope Leo XIV and announced by the Vatican. Archbishop Paglia's term ended due to reaching the age of 80, following standard practice in the Roman Curia. The Pontifical Academy for Life was founded to promote Catholic teaching on the dignity of human life.
10 days ago
Msgr. Renzo Pegoraro has been appointed as the new President of the Pontifical Academy for Life by Pope Leo XIV 2. He succeeds Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, who has reached the age of 80 1 3. Pegoraro previously served as the Academy's Chancellor since 2011 1 2.
Archbishop Paglia's departure comes as his mandate expired upon turning 80, which is standard practice in the Roman Curia 4. He had offered his resignation to the late Pope Francis at the age of 75, but was asked to continue until he reached 80 3 4. Pope Leo XIV expressed his gratitude to Archbishop Paglia for his service since 2016 2.
Msgr. Pegoraro is an expert in medicine and bioethics 2. He earned a degree in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Padua in 1985 and a licentiate in Moral Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University 1 3. He also holds a postgraduate diploma in Bioethics from the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart 2. Pegoraro has taught nursing ethics at the Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital in Rome and served as president of the European Association of Centers of Medical Ethics 1.
Some Catholics have expressed concern over statements made by Msgr. Pegoraro, particularly regarding the Church's teaching on artificial contraception 1. In a 2022 interview, he suggested that contraception might be permissible in certain cases, which appears to contradict Humanae Vitae 1. Archbishop Paglia's tenure was also marked by controversy, including a dispute over a book published by the Academy that challenged Church doctrine on contraception and in vitro fertilization 1. Paglia also faced scrutiny over comments regarding abortion laws and allegations of diverting charitable funds 1.
In 2016, Pope Francis updated the statutes of the Pontifical Academy for Life, broadening its mission to include a focus on "human ecology" 1 3. Lifetime terms for members were eliminated, and the requirement that members commit to defending life in accordance with Catholic doctrine was removed 1. These changes, along with the appointment of some pro-abortion members, sparked controversy and debate about the Academy's direction 1.
What constitutes defense and promotion of human dignity?
The defense and promotion of human dignity involve recognizing, respecting, and actively supporting the inherent worth of every individual. This encompasses various dimensions, including acknowledging the source of human dignity, understanding its implications, and taking concrete actions to protect and enhance it .
Here's a breakdown of what constitutes the defense and promotion of human dignity:
Foundational Recognition:
Ethical Principles and Implications:
Practical Actions and Commitments:
Continuous Growth and Manifestation:
In summary, defending and promoting human dignity requires a comprehensive approach that begins with recognizing the inherent worth of every person, understanding the ethical implications of this recognition, and taking concrete actions to protect and enhance human dignity in all its dimensions . This involves opposing anything that diminishes human dignity and actively working towards creating conditions that allow all people to flourish .