(6/10/26) As part of the celebrations marking the centenary of Joseph Ratzinger’s birth, the Faculty of Theology at the Pontifical Regina Apostolorum University in Rome has launched the Joseph Ratzinger–Benedict XVI Chair, a new initiative dedicated to promoting scientific research and academic activities – including training and dissemination – inspired by the theological thought of the great theologian and Pope.

Planned activities include the organisation of study days, conferences, research groups, scholarly publications in the Studi Ratzingeriani series, support for doctoral projects, the expansion of the Ratzingerian collection at the ‘Pius XII’ Library, and academic courses leading to the Bachelor’s and Licentiate degrees for students of the University and the international network of Regnum Christi universities.

The Chair is headed by Prof. Sameer Advani, a tenured lecturer in the Faculty of Theology; the deputy director is Prof. Leonardo Pelonara, a scholar specialising in ecclesiology and the interpretation of the Second Vatican Council.

Members of the Scientific Committee include Prof. Pierluca Azzaro, Executive Secretary of the Joseph Ratzinger–Benedict XVI Vatican Foundation; Prof. David Koonce LC, former Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and Dean of the University’s Faculty of Theology; Prof. José San Román LC, current Dean of the same Faculty; Prof. Isabel Troconis of the University of the Holy Cross and Prof. Maurice Agbaw-Ebai of the Angelicum, both recognised scholars of Ratzingerian thought.

“The initiative,” as stated on the University’s website, “represents a significant step towards promoting a theological legacy that continues to exert a profound influence on contemporary ecclesial reflection”.