The Pope has signed new statutes for the Pontifical Academy for Life, creating the role of official "supporters" who help it advance its cause.
The new statutes of the Pontifical Academy for Life, signed by Pope Leo XIV and published on February 28, 2026, officially introduce the institution's mission of “supporters,” a kind of privileged partner. Appointed for a term of three years, they are called upon to contribute, “through their support, to the realization of the activities and the pursuit of the objectives” of the entity, which is particularly involved in bioethical issues.
However, the changes made by the Pope, signed on February 27, remain marginal. They don’t call into question the general structure of the statutes, which were thoroughly revised in 2016 under the pontificate of Francis.
Founded in 1994 by John Paul II in collaboration with French geneticist Venerable Jérôme Lejeune — a specialist in Down syndrome and the institution's first president — the Academy's mission is to promote reflection and research on the defense of human life, particularly in the field of bioethics.
The 2016 reform — as well as certain appointments made subsequently — attracted criticism. Some observers saw them as a break with John Paul II's legacy in bioethics, an interpretation that Pope Francis always contested.
The creation of the role of “supporter”
The main innovation introduced by Leo XIV is therefore the creation of the role of “supporter.” Alongside the academicians — or “members” — these collaborators will be required to adhere to the institution's objectives.
They will be appointed for three years by the Academy Council, with the authorization of the Vatican Secretariat of State, and may be reappointed for two additional terms if necessary. The new statutes come into force immediately.
Receiving the members of the Pontifical Academy for Life on February 16, Leo XIV spoke out against the “enormous inequalities” that exist in the world in the field of health care availability. He also called for an approach that takes into account the many factors influencing the field of health and gives priority to the “common good.” In his speech, the Pope finally condemned the bombing of hospitals in countries in conflict.
