Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia has recently completed a decade-long tenure as President of the Pontifical Academy for Life, a role he was appointed to by Pope Francis in August 2016. In an interview with the Italian newspaper La Stampa, he explained the customary practice in the Roman Curia, stating that all appointments expire upon reaching the age of 80. Paglia will reach this milestone on April 21, 2025.
He noted that his official resignation had been submitted to the late Pope Francis when he turned 75, a standard practice for those in similar positions. However, he was asked by the Pope to continue his work until he turned 80. The Archbishop’s tenure coincided with significant developments in bioethics, an area he emphasized during a recent international conference in Argentina that marked the 10th anniversary of the encyclical “Laudato si’.”
Paglia underscored the importance of protecting life at all stages, expressing deep concern over what he described as a world “falling to pieces.” He stressed the urgency of fostering true fraternity among people and with the environment, advocating for a vision of “a pacified humanity” rooted in humility and peace.
His replacement, Cardinal Baldassare Reina, has been appointed as the new Grand Chancellor for the Pontifical “John Paul II” Theological Institute for Marriage and Family Sciences, marking a new chapter for the academy and continuing its mission to uphold the sanctity of life.
This transition carries significant implications for future dialogues on bioethics within the Church, emphasizing a compassionate and sustainable approach to life and humanity. Through these discussions, there remains hope for a renewed dedication to nurturing both human relationships and our connection to creation.