One of the first institutional appointments made by Leo XIV as the new pope concerns the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family, the Holy See Press Office announced on May 19, 2025. Cardinal Baldassare Reina, vicar general of the diocese of Rome and grand chancellor of the Pontifical Lateran University, also becomes grand chancellor of this institute, which is located within the walls of the university but has been autonomous since its foundation in 1981.
Cardinal Baldassare Reina, vicar general of the diocese of Rome, has been named to head the institute, which is housed in the Pontifical Lateran University.
Cardinal Baldassare Reina succeeds Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, who reached the age limit of 80 on April 21, the day of Pope Francis' death. His succession was therefore delayed by a few weeks due to the change of pontificate.
Archbishop Paglia, who previously chaired the Pontifical Council for the Family from 2012 to 2016, had held the position of Grand Chancellor of the John Paul II Institute for nine years.
Cardinal Reina’s background
Cardinal Baldassare Reina, originally from Sicily, was rector of the seminary in Agrigento from 2013 to 2022. He was then called to Rome by Pope Francis as auxiliary bishop, then vicegerent in 2023. From April 2024, he served as interim vicar general after the departure of Cardinal De Donatis, who became major penitentiary.
Baldassare Reina was promoted to cardinal and vicar general in his own right in the autumn of 2024. He thus became archpriest of the Basilica of St. John Lateran, which is the cathedral of the diocese of Rome, and grand chancellor of the Pontifical Lateran University. Having a common grand chancellor for the University and the John Paul II Institute will strengthen the link with the diocese of Rome.
Monsignor Philippe Bordeyne, president of this pontifical institute, explains to I.MEDIA that this link with the diocese of the Italian capital is already evident in several programs. He mentions in particular a series of eight courses open to all the faithful, and a training course on the theme of “Leadership and Synodality.” The latter will be offered in the fall for the entire network of universities linked to the Holy See.
The French priest also highlights “the international dimension” brought by this institute, which has branches in five different countries, making it an attractive option for the Pontifical Lateran University. The John Paul II Institute, which offers graduate and postgraduate courses, will nevertheless retain its autonomy.
