The Vatican’s top bioethics official, Monsignor Renzo Pegoraro, emphasized on Tuesday the importance of ongoing discussions between the Church and academic institutions on the sensitive topic of abortion.
Speaking during a press conference at the Vatican, Pegoraro addressed questions about the controversy surrounding a recent appointment at the University of Notre Dame, where a professor with pro-abortion views took on a leadership role.
He stressed that Catholic universities have a responsibility to uphold Church teaching while also maintaining respectful engagement with differing perspectives.
Abortion is Not the Solution, Says Pegoraro
“Abortion is not acceptable as a practice,” Pegoraro declared, framing the issue as both an ethical and social concern.
He explained that it is not only the responsibility of individuals but also of society as a whole to provide alternatives and support to women and couples facing difficult pregnancies.
The Pontifical Academy for Life president highlighted that guiding society to understand that abortion should not be seen as a default solution remains “a big challenge,” especially in academic and policy circles.
Focus on Ethical and Social Dimensions Over Legal Debate
During the conference, Pegoraro stressed that the Church’s engagement with universities and broader society should focus more on ethical, moral, and social implications of abortion, rather than solely legal arguments.
“We try to see how to maintain a debate about that, and we try to stress more the ethical and some social aspects, not immediately only the legal aspect of the problem,” he said.
He explained that these discussions are part of the Vatican’s broader efforts to foster understanding and dialogue in a rapidly changing cultural and academic environment.
Pontifical Academy Workshop on Global Health and Equity
The comments came during the Academy’s international workshop, “Health Care for All: Sustainability and Equity,” which took place in Rome on February 16–17.
The event brought together experts and church officials to discuss healthcare access, bioethics, and the moral responsibilities of institutions in promoting human life.
Pegoraro, who became president of the Pontifical Academy for Life in May 2025, used the occasion to highlight the intersection of healthcare, ethics, and education, particularly regarding life-affirming policies and the protection of unborn children.
What’s Next?
The Vatican and the Pontifical Academy for Life plan to continue engaging with universities worldwide, encouraging respectful dialogue on the moral, social, and ethical dimensions of abortion.
Pegoraro indicated that further conferences, workshops, and collaborative research are expected in the coming year to promote understanding, offer alternatives to abortion, and strengthen educational programs that uphold the Church’s teaching on the sanctity of life.
Summary
Monsignor Renzo Pegoraro, president of the Pontifical Academy for Life, emphasized that abortion is not an acceptable solution to difficult pregnancies.
He called for active dialogue between Catholic universities and the Church, focusing on ethical and social aspects rather than purely legal ones.
Speaking during an international workshop in Rome on health equity, Pegoraro stressed society’s collective responsibility to support women and families and outlined the Church’s commitment to continuing global conversations around life and morality.
