ROME – The head of the Pontifical Academy for Life, an Italian archbishop, and an Ango-Italian economist serving on the academy, responded to critics challenging their alignment with traditional Catholic doctrine on sexual morality.
Mariana Mazzucato, an economist born in Rome, emphasized that her academic work, advising organizations like the UN and the World Health Organization, remains separate from topics like abortion and religion.
Italian Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, the academy’s president, dismissed criticisms regarding his views on contraception, emphasizing the academy’s role in fostering academic discourse.
Both Mazzucato and Paglia addressed the press during the academy’s general assembly themed “Human. Meaning and Challenges.”
Mazzucato’s appointment in October 2022 sparked controversy due to her past social media posts criticizing the US Supreme Court’s decision on Roe v. Wade. Despite concerns from pro-life groups, Mazzucato defended her expertise and academic focus.
The ongoing conference aims to tackle global issues such as climate change, bioethics, pandemics, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.
Mazzucato highlighted the urgent need to address global health disparities, water access issues, and the impact of climate change on human lives. She urged journalists to prioritize discussions with experts on pressing global challenges.
Pope Francis previously commended Mazzucato’s work, recognizing its potential to shape future economic perspectives.
The Pontifical Academy for Life faced controversy over theological debates on topics like contraception and artificial reproduction. Under Paglia’s leadership, the academy has adopted a more progressive approach aligned with Pope Francis’s vision.
Paglia emphasized the need for continual reflection on moral teachings within the church’s traditions. He praised the emphasis on generativity in Humanae Vitae and advocated for a renewed ethical framework to address contemporary challenges.
Pope Francis underscored the importance of ethical reflection in light of technological advancements, cautioning against approaches to human reproduction that defy ethical boundaries.
The academy’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary dialogue on these critical issues was acknowledged and supported by Pope Francis.