VATICAN CITY, JAN. 28, 2005 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II named Msgr. Jean Laffitte undersecretary of the Pontifical Council for the Family. The Vatican press office announced his appointment today.
Monsignor Lafitte, professor at the John Paul II Pontifical Institute for Studies on Marriage and the Family in Rome, was the Guest Lecturer at the CLSP National Convention in Bacolod City in 2003.
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 is a professor of conjugal ethics, anthropology and spirituality at the John Paul II Institute, part of the Lateran University.
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.