Pope Francis established a new Pontifical institute for marriage and family sciences, as a continuation of the one created by John Paul II in 1981.
According to the Vatican, with this decision, Pope Francis gives continuity, relevance and timeliness to one of John Paul II's most important projects.
MSGR. VINCENZO PAGLIA
President, Pontifical Academy for Life
“After the first Synod on Family, John Paul II created an Institute of Theology to reflect the themes of marriage and the family. Many years have passed and Pope Francis, after celebrating two Synods has produced a new text, Amoris Laetitia, and felt the responsibility to continue John Paul II's intuition, to deepen it and revive it.'
With a “Motu Proprio,” Pope Francis has made four big decisions.
He confirms that he wants to continue to guard and keeping alive the original purpose with which John Paul II founded the institution.
He also is giving more power and autonomy to the institution, so it does not depend on the Lateran University of Rome, but can issue its own academic titles.
Pope Francis also asks for an increased focus on the pastoral perspective of Amoris Laetitia.
He also asked the 40 year old institute to head up the change from within, catering to the needs of a modern society.
MSGR. VINCENZO PAGLIA
President, Pontifical Academy for Life
'Through this Institute, Pope Francis wants to make us understand the great changes that have occurred in the contemporary world. For example, the problem of the relationship between generations, the problem of responsibility, parenthood and maternity, the problem of family relationship with society and within the Church.'
The institute has offices on every continent. Through this expansion, no doubt their studies will have greater diffusion and prestige.
