Pope Leo keeps Francis-era statutes for Pontifical Academy for Life
What is noteworthy about the new statutes is that which was not changed from the controversial 2016 version.
(Pelican+) — Newly approved statutes for the Pontifical Academy for Life appear to continue the new direction set in 2016 by Pope Francis, as the once customary pro-life oath remains absent.
On February 28, the Vatican published the amended statutes for the Pontifical Academy for Life (PAV), which had been signed by Pope Leo XIV the previous day. Largely similar to the statutes issued by Pope Francis in 2016, Leo’s change involved introducing the category of “supporters” of the PAV.
Such individuals would “identify with its institutional aims and contribute, through their support, to the implementation of its activities and the pursuit of its statutory objectives.” Upon their approval by the Holy See’s Secretariat of State, PAV supporters would be appointed by the Academy’s board of directors for three years, with the possibility of having a maximum of two extra three years terms.
The Pope’s change is somewhat minimal, and comes shortly after he met with the PAV for its annual plenary assembly in January.
But what is more noteworthy about the new statutes is that which was not changed, especially given that the PAV has become at the center of controversy under Pope Francis, being largely seen as a case study for many of the somewhat revolutionary changes the Argentine pontiff made in the Curia and wider Church.
Leo did not reinstate the pro-life oath which was removed by Francis in 2016, meaning that the PAV’s statutes in that regard continue in line with Francis’ style. As part of his 2016 overhaul of the PAV, Francis removedthe required oath, intended for medical members of the Academy, by which they expressly promised to adhere to Catholic teaching on the sacrality of life and not to perform…
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