Pope Leo sacks prominent archbishop, appoints replacement

In his first major move since assuming office, Pope Leo XIV has dismissed Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia as the Grand Chancellor of the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family, replacing him with Cardinal Baldassare Reina.

The decision, announced barely a week after Pope Leo XIV’s installation, has been widely welcomed by conservative members of the Catholic Church who had expressed deep concerns about the institute’s direction under Paglia’s leadership.

Founded by Pope John Paul II to uphold and promote traditional Catholic teachings on life, marriage, and family, the institute underwent sweeping and controversial reforms under Pope Francis. In 2019, key figures including the then-president Monsignor Livio Melina were removed, and a number of professors were dismissed. New appointees were brought in—many of whom were vocal proponents of views that diverged from longstanding Catholic doctrines, including support for contraception and same-sex relationships.

Archbishop Paglia himself became a lightning rod for criticism within the Church. He publicly supported giving Holy Communion to divorced and remarried Catholics, advocated for contraception, and defended assisted suicide. His tenure was further marred by controversy when he commissioned a mural in his cathedral depicting himself among nude, homoerotic figures—an artwork painted by a gay artist that sparked outrage among many faithful.

While Paglia has now been relieved of his duties at the John Paul II Institute, he still holds the position of President of the Pontifical Academy for Life—another body that underwent significant liberalization during Pope Francis’ papacy.

Cardinal Baldassare Reina, who was elevated to the College of Cardinals in December 2024, currently serves as the Vicar General of the Diocese of Rome. He previously worked as an auxiliary bishop within the same diocese. His appointment is seen as a signal of Pope Leo XIV’s intent to return the John Paul II Institute to its original mission of defending traditional Catholic values, particularly around marriage, family, and bioethics.