Vatican City. November 4, 2008. After seven years of education and research since its foundation in 2001, the Bioethics School at the Pontifical Regina Apostolorum College has been granted definitive canonical establishment by the Holy See, with a decree dated October 16, 2008. This step is an important boost for an institution that has proven to be of critical importance for the pro-life cause, since it trains professionals who can influence key bioethical decisions in hospitals, research institutions, universities, and media outlets.

“Teach our society how to believe in its future.”

The official announcement was made by Archbishop Jean-Louis Bruguès, OP, Secretary of the Congregation for Catholic Education, during the ceremony inaugurating the 2008-2009 academic year.

In his inaugural speech, Archbishop Bruguès explained that “the most urgent task for our Church today is that of once more offering the delight of eternity.” Addressing the academic community of the Ateneo, he reminded them that this task “should be a priority for those who, like you, are responsible for transmitting and educating. Keep in mind the paths of hope. In more secular terms, teach our society how to believe in its future.” The School of Bioethics of the Pontifical Ateneo Regina Apostolorum began its classes in October 2001.

The students, staff, and faculty of the Ateneo were moved with deep gratitude at the news, which was communicated through a letter from the Prefect of the same Congregation, Cardinal Zenon Grocholewski, addressed to the Grand Chancellor, Father Álvaro Corcuera, LC.

“The final establishment of the School of Bioethics,” said Rector Father Pedro Barrajon, LC, “is a great source of joy for us, because it strengthens our bond to the Holy Father and encourages us to continue in our commitment to defending human life from conception until natural death.”

In the heart of the pro-life campaign

The school, which is the first of its kind in the world, was begun as a response to John Paul II´s invitation in Evangelium Vitae, to “activate a great campaign in support of life.” The objective is to form biotechnical professionals who can competently respond to the many complex ethical problems that arise in the area of biomedical and bioethical science, in regards to respect for human dignity and the defense of life for each and every person.

There are various possibilities for working in this area: clinical bioethics committees, hospitals, and biomedical and biological research centers, universities and centers for higher education, institutions dedicated to studies on marriage and the family, structures for help and service, and various ecclesiastical institutions.

To meet these needs, School of Bioethics offers a multi-faceted program: a Bachelor´s, Licentiate, and Doctorate program, in addition to the Masters Program and the International Summer Course for Higher Studies.

To learn more about the bioethics school, visit this link.