Pope Leo XIV Appoints Msgr. Pegoraro as New President of Pontifical Academy for Life

VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV appointed Msgr. Renzo Pegoraro as the new president of the Pontifical Academy for Life on May 27, 2025. He succeeds Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, who is retiring at the age of 80 after nearly nine years in the role.

Msgr. Pegoraro, 65, has a long history with the academy, previously serving as its chancellor since 2011. His background includes a degree in medicine and surgery from the University of Padua, along with a licentiate in moral theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University.

In a statement, Pegoraro thanked Pope Leo XIV for the appointment and acknowledged the contributions of his predecessors. “The work done over these years alongside Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia has been both fascinating and stimulating,” he said.

The Pontifical Academy for Life, established by Pope St. John Paul II in 1994, aims to promote and defend the dignity of human life through interdisciplinary research and dialogue. It has been a platform for educating about various bioethical issues, including abortion and euthanasia.

During his tenure as chancellor, Pegoraro was associated with several controversial positions regarding Church teachings. He faced scrutiny for suggesting that artificial contraception may be permissible in specific medical circumstances. Additionally, he expressed concerns about the legalization of euthanasia in Italy.

Current and former officials of the academy have mixed opinions about Pegoraro’s appointment. Some view him as a solid choice who has previously adhered closely to Church teachings. However, others worry he may support changes in moral positions associated with areas like contraception.

As Pegoraro steps into the presidency, he is expected to lead the academy in continuity with past themes and methodologies. He intends to focus on issues around global bioethics and the promotion of respect for human life in all its stages.

It remains uncertain how Pegoraro will address the challenges he inherits from Paglia’s leadership, particularly amidst public debates on critical life issues.