A Loyola Marymount University professor is back in the United States after a recent meeting with the Pope, which followed his and another faculty member’s appointment to the Pontifical Academy for Life.
Christopher Kaczor, a professor of Philosophy, and Roberto Dell’Oro, of Theological Studies, were both chosen late last year to be corresponding members of the academy, which was created in 1994 by Pope John Paul II to study issues related to the promotion and defense of life.
Kaczor recently attended the academy’s general assembly in the Vatican, where he met Pope Francis.
“I’m happy to serve however the Church would like me to,” Kaczor said. “Central to the message of Jesus Christ is that every human being is valuable. Nobody is a nobody, whether poor or rich, young or old. None of these things matter with regard to the essential dignity due to every person.”
Pope Francis spoke to the academy on March 3 about the importance of virtue and compassion in caring for others. The pope warned that while science has advanced to improve care of the sick and elderly, care for the dignity of human life must remain paramount.
The academy’s work includes developing and promoting many Church teachings on questions of medical ethics, such as euthanasia, stem cell research, and abortion. Its more than 120 members from around the world include scholars, medical professionals and researchers from different branches of science, theology, and other areas of study.
