Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia has concluded his term as President of the Pontifical Academy for Life. Paglia's mandate ended due to reaching the age of 80, following standard practice in the Roman Curia. He had previously submitted his resignation at age 75, but Pope Francis asked him to continue. Paglia recently participated in an international conference in Argentina, emphasizing the importance of protecting life at all stages.
about 1 month ago
Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia's service as President of the Pontifical Academy for Life has concluded after a decade, a position he was entrusted with by the late Pope Francis in August 2016 1. He recently returned from an international conference in Argentina 1.
His departure is due to reaching the age of 80, which is standard practice in the Roman Curia 1. Upon turning 80, all assignments expire 1. Cardinal Baldassare Reina has been appointed to succeed Archbishop Paglia as Grand Chancellor for the Pontifical “John Paul II” Theological Institute for Marriage and Family Sciences 1. Pope Francis had asked Paglia to continue past the age of 75, which is the usual retirement age 1.
At the international conference in Buenos Aires, Archbishop Paglia reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to defending life at every stage and age 1. He emphasized the urgent need for fraternity and a "new humanism" in a world that is "falling to pieces" 1. He called for a "disarmed, disarming, humble, and persevering peace," echoing the words of Pope Leo XIV 1.
The Church reflects on aging and leadership succession.
The Catholic Church addresses the topics of aging and leadership succession through its teachings and structure. The Church acknowledges the importance of both the elderly and the ordained ministry, providing guidance on their roles and transitions of leadership.
Bishops, as successors to the apostles, hold a crucial position in the Church's structure . They are entrusted with the pastoral care of their flock, teaching, sanctifying, and guiding the faithful .
The Church maintains its connection to the apostles through apostolic succession . This is done via the sacrament of Holy Orders, ensuring the continuation of the mission and authority Christ entrusted to His Church . Bishops receive the fullness of this sacrament, integrating them into the episcopal college under the Pope's authority .
The Pope, as the successor of St. Peter, has supreme authority in the Church . He serves as the perpetual and visible source and foundation of unity for both bishops and the faithful . The power of jurisdiction flows to the bishops through the Pope, ensuring their subjection and obedience to him .
The Church's structure differs from secular models of authority . Pastoral charge is linked to the sacrament of Order and is not merely a form of government . The authority of priests and bishops comes from God, not from below, and is exercised in service and love .
While the documents provided do not explicitly discuss the aging process, the Church acknowledges the need for constant growth and nurturing of the People of God . This implies that as leaders age, there is a need for the Church to ensure a smooth transition of leadership to those who can continue to fulfill this mission.