VATICAN CITY, JAN. 28, 2005 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II named Monsignor Jean Laffitte undersecretary of the Pontifical Council for the Family.
Monsignor Lafitte is a professor at the John Paul II Pontifical Institute for Studies on Marriage and the Family in Rome. The Vatican press office announced his appointment today.
Born in Oloron-Sainte-Marie, France, in 1952, he is a priest of the Diocese of Autun and a member of the Emmanuel Community. He has studied political science and holds a doctorate in theology.
He was the superior of the chaplains of the Paray-le-Monial Shrine in France before becoming a professor of conjugal ethics, anthropology and spirituality at the John Paul II Institute, part of the Lateran University.
Monsignor Laffitte has taught courses in branches of this institute in Brazil, Spain, Benin, Mexico and Australia.
Member of the editorial committee of the Anthropotes review, he collaborates with other scientific journals such as Studia Moralia, Nouvelle Revue Théologique, and Nuovo Areopago.
He has also taught in seminars and sessions of formation of the clergy in Italy, France, Kazakhstan, the Philippines, Chile and Peru.
Since 2003, he has been a member of the International Committee of Priests of Emmanuel Community. In 2004, he was named consultor of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
The Pontifical Council for the Family is responsible for the promotion of the pastoral ministry and apostolate to the family. It also promotes and coordinates pastoral efforts related to the issue of responsible procreation, and encourages, sustains and coordinates initiatives in defense of human life, from conception to natural death.
Cardinal Alfonso López Trujillo is president of the council.
