In an important move early in his papacy, Pope Leo XIV has named Cardinal Baldassare Reina as the new grand chancellor of the Pontifical Theological Institute John Paul II for Marriage and the Family.
This appointment comes as part of a broader reshuffle and signals a return to tradition at the institute, which is closely linked to the Diocese of Rome.
Cardinal Baldassare Reina’s New Role
Cardinal Reina, who was created cardinal by Pope Francis last December, is no stranger to the leadership of Rome’s ecclesiastical institutions.
At just 54 years old, he has served as the vicar general of the Diocese of Rome since 2024.
Alongside that, he also holds the position of grand chancellor at the Pontifical Lateran University, where the John Paul II Institute is based.
By appointing Reina as grand chancellor, Pope Leo XIV seems to be reinstating the previous practice of connecting the leadership of the institute directly with the vicar general of Rome.
This had shifted under Pope Francis, who chose Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia for the role in 2016.
The Institute’s Recent History and Changes
The John Paul II Institute has undergone significant transformations in recent years.
Founded by Pope John Paul II in 1982, the institute originally focused on moral theology related to marriage and family.
However, in 2017, Pope Francis made the controversial decision to re-found the institute, expanding its academic scope to include social sciences.
This broadening of focus wasn’t without challenges.
When new statutes were introduced in 2019, there were notable controversies—particularly around the non-renewal of contracts for some longtime faculty members and certain hiring choices, which sparked debate within Church circles.
Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia’s Perspective
Archbishop Paglia, who turned 80 this April and previously led the institute, is also president of the Pontifical Academy for Life.
In a recent interview, he explained that his replacement as grand chancellor was anticipated due to Vatican age guidelines.
However, he did not specify when he might step down from his role at the Academy for Life, though he acknowledged that it might happen soon given his age.
Paglia chose not to comment on the controversies that took place during his leadership of the institute.
Looking Ahead
With Cardinal Reina’s appointment, the institute embarks on a new phase that may bring stability and perhaps a renewed focus on its original mission.
As leadership returns to the vicar general of Rome, many are watching closely to see how the institute will evolve under this new guidance.