Leo XIV Cements Francis’ Destruction of Pontifical Academy for Life - New Statues
Today, Leo XIV issued new statutes for the Pontifical Academy for Life. These will be in place for five years.
The Academy now consists of a Presidency, a Central Office, Members (Accademici) and Supporters (Sostenitori).
The introduction of supporters is the main structural novelty.
Membership Without "Religious Discrimination"
Leo XIV largely confirms the destruction that occurred during Francis's reign in 2016.
At that time, Francis abolished the requirement for members to sign a formal pro-life oath.
He broadened the concept of 'pro-life' to encompass ecology, migration and global health.
Non-Catholics, as well as people with different bioethical views, could become members. Article 6 §5(a) explicitly states that members are chosen regardless of religion.
Paper Tiger
As before, Article 6 §5(e) still reaffirms that members can be removed for publicly contradicting Church teaching. However, these statutes …More