Summary
Pope Francis has issued new rules for the International Marian Pious Academy (PAMI), a Vatican institution founded in 1946 by the Franciscan order. The papal rescript, signed by Substitut of the State Secretariat Erzbischof Edgar Pena Parra on Saturday, aims to integrate Catholic teachings about Mary with contemporary cultural and social challenges. Key changes include appointing a president for five years from the Franciscan order, limiting the number of regular members to 90, and welcoming notable international personalities in theology and humanities regardless of their religious affiliation. The new rules emphasize three complementary paths: promoting scholarly exchanges among global Mariologists; valuing artistic expressions, pilgrimages, and devotions; and fostering love. The Academy’s mission includes organizing International Marian Congresses to encourage healthy popular piety while avoiding both extreme positions—marian maximalism (excessive dogmatization) and minimalism (neglect of Mary’s role). Historically, PAMI was established in 1946 by the Franciscan order and elevated to papal academy status in 1959 by Pope John XXIII. The new regulations come as part of ongoing adjustments under the revised governance framework Praedicate Evangelium.
Key Topics
Papal audience, Marian research, International Marian Academy
