Pope Appoints Msgr. Renzo Pegoraro President Pontifical Academy for Life

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Msgr. Renzo Pegoraro as the new president of the Pontifical Academy for Life, succeeding Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia who retired after reaching the age of 80. Msgr. Pegoraro, a bioethicist with a medical degree and extensive experience in nursing ethics and bioethics education, has served as chancellor of the academy since 2011 and expressed alignment with the directions set under Pope Francis. His appointment has raised concerns among some pro-life advocates due to his previous association with Archbishop Paglia, whose tenure was marked by controversial positions on issues such as assisted suicide, contraception, and the inclusion of pro-abortion members. The Pontifical Academy for Life, founded by Pope St. John Paul II and Dr. Jerome Lejeune, aims to promote and defend human life and dignity in line with Catholic moral theology, with recent statutes emphasizing a broad human ecology approach. Archbishop Paglia confirmed that his retirement follows standard Roman Curia practice upon reaching 80 and reaffirmed the Church's commitment to defending life at all stages. The appointment signals continuity in the academy's leadership and its mission under the current papacy.