Catholic Medical Quarterly Vol 76 (3) August 2026

Changes at the Pontifical Academy For Life

Dr Pravin Thevasathan

In a remarkable interview, Archbishop Paglia, past president of the Pontifical Academy For Life, admitted that his goal had been to move Catholic moral theology beyond the natural law tradition on which "all sexual and family moral theology developed until now...a very profound reform was at stake." His particular goal was to "adapt doctrine to the new times" particularly with regard to homosexuality and divorce. In the interview, Paglia was critical of Pope Benedict XVI's defence of non-negotiable values. Logically, Paglia would also be unhappy with the moral teachings of Pope John Paul II. 

What about abortion? Why was a supporter of abortion appointed to the Academy? Archbishop Paglia notes that the Academy is no longer primarily interested in matters concerning abortion or euthanasia. 

The Archbishop has given good reason for Catholics in healthcare to steer clear of the Pontifical Academy for Life.