Luis Ladaria Ferrer
Encyclopedia
Luis Francisco Ladaria Ferrer, S.J.
(born 19 April 1944) is a Spanish
Jesuit archbishop
. He currently serves as Secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith
in the Roman Curia
, while still teaching at the Pontifical Gregorian University
(where he resides) and remaining an active member of the International Theological Commission
.
Luis Ladaria Ferrer was born in Manacor
, on the island of Majorca, Spain
and studied at the University of Madrid
, graduating with a degree in
law
in 1966. He entered the Society of Jesus
on 17 October 1966. After attending the Comillas Pontifical University in Madrid
and the Sankt Georgen Graduate School of Philosophy and Theology
in Frankfurt am Main, Germany
, Ladaria was ordained
to the priesthood
on 29 July 1973.
In 1975 he obtained a doctorate in theology
from the Pontifical Gregorian University
, with a thesis
entitled, The Holy Spirit
in St Hilary of Poitiers
, and became professor
of dogmatic theology
at the Comillas Pontifical University. In 1984, he assumed the same position at the Pontifical Gregorian University
of Rome
, where he was vice-rector
from 1986 to 1994. He became a member of the International Theological Commission
in 1992 and a consultor of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith
in 1995.
In March 2004, Ladaria Ferrer was named Secretary-General
of the International Theological Commission and led the Commission's evaluation, beginning in 2006, of the concept of limbo
, that is, of the fate of children who die without having received the sacrament of Baptism
. The Commission concluded that there is hope that these children are able to receive salvation
and enjoy the beatific vision
.
On 9 July 2008, Ladaria was appointed Secretary
of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and Titular Archbishop
of Thibica by Pope Benedict XVI
. He continued to be general secretary of the International Theological Commission until 22 April 2009, when he resigned and was succeeded by Charles Morerod
, O.P.
His episcopal
ordination
took place on 26 July 2008 (the ordaining prelate being Tarcisio Cardinal Bertone
, SDB his predecessor as Secretary of the Congregation and now Cardinal Secretary of State
. The co-consecrators were the new Cardinal Prefect William Joseph Levada and Bishop Vincenzo Paglia, one of the founders of the Community of Sant'Egidio
.
Ladaria Ferrer is considered to be theologically conservative
, and subscribes to ressourcement, a return to earlier sources, traditions, and symbols of the Church. He also has a predilection for patrology
and Christology
. On 13 November 2008, he was appointed a consultor of the Congregation for Bishops
http://212.77.1.245/news_services/bulletin/news/22900.php?index=22900&lang=en, and on 31 January 2009, a consultor of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity
. http://212.77.1.245/news_services/bulletin/news/23286.php?index=23286&po_date=31.01.2009&lang=en#NOMINA%20DI%20MEMBRO%20DELLA%20CONGREGAZIONE%20DELLE%20CAUSE%20DEI%20SANTI
He is a member of the Holy See's team charged with the dialogue with the Society of St. Pius X
that began on 26 October 2009. The other members of the team are Father Charles Morerod, Monsignor Fernando Ocariz
, Vicar General of Opus Dei
, and Father Karl Josef Becker, S.J., consultor of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. However in February 2011, Bernard Fellay
, said that the reconciliation talks with the Vatican would soon be coming to an end, with little change in the views of either side. In addition to disputes over the changes introduced by the Second Vatican Council
, new problems have been created by plans for the beatification of Pope John Paul II
. Fellay said the scheduled beatification of Pope John Paul II on 1 May 2011 poses "a serious problem, the problem of a pontificate that caused things to proceed by leaps and bounds in the wrong direction, along 'progressive' lines, toward everything that they call 'the spirit of Vatican II.'"
Society of Jesus
The Society of Jesus is a Catholic male religious order that follows the teachings of the Catholic Church. The members are called Jesuits, and are also known colloquially as "God's Army" and as "The Company," these being references to founder Ignatius of Loyola's military background and a...
(born 19 April 1944) is a Spanish
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
Jesuit archbishop
Archbishop
An archbishop is a bishop of higher rank, but not of higher sacramental order above that of the three orders of deacon, priest , and bishop...
. He currently serves as Secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith
Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith
The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith , previously known as the Supreme Sacred Congregation of the Roman and Universal Inquisition , and after 1904 called the Supreme...
in the Roman Curia
Roman Curia
The Roman Curia is the administrative apparatus of the Holy See and the central governing body of the entire Catholic Church, together with the Pope...
, while still teaching at the Pontifical Gregorian University
Pontifical Gregorian University
The Pontifical Gregorian University is a pontifical university located in Rome, Italy.Heir of the Roman College founded by Saint Ignatius of Loyola over 460 years ago, the Gregorian University was the first university founded by the Jesuits...
(where he resides) and remaining an active member of the International Theological Commission
International Theological Commission
The International Theological Commission of the Roman Catholic Church consists of up to 30 Catholic theologians from around the world. These theologians are appointed for renewable five year terms and have tended to meet together in person once every year for a week...
.
Luis Ladaria Ferrer was born in Manacor
Manacor
Manacor is a town and municipality on the Mediterranean island of Majorca, part of the Spanish autonomous community of the Balearic Islands. It is one of the biggest municipalities in Majorca. It has tourist areas like Porto Cristo, site of the famous Caves of Drach, and Calas de Mallorca. Manacor...
, on the island of Majorca, Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
and studied at the University of Madrid
Complutense University of Madrid
The Complutense University of Madrid is a university in Madrid, and one of the oldest universities in the world. It is located on a sprawling campus that occupies the entirety of the Ciudad Universitaria district of Madrid, with annexes in the district of Somosaguas in the neighboring city of...
, graduating with a degree in
Law degree
A Law degree is an academic degree conferred for studies in law. Such degrees are generally preparation for legal careers; but while their curricula may be reviewed by legal authority, they do not themselves confer a license...
law
Law
Law is a system of rules and guidelines which are enforced through social institutions to govern behavior, wherever possible. It shapes politics, economics and society in numerous ways and serves as a social mediator of relations between people. Contract law regulates everything from buying a bus...
in 1966. He entered the Society of Jesus
Society of Jesus
The Society of Jesus is a Catholic male religious order that follows the teachings of the Catholic Church. The members are called Jesuits, and are also known colloquially as "God's Army" and as "The Company," these being references to founder Ignatius of Loyola's military background and a...
on 17 October 1966. After attending the Comillas Pontifical University in Madrid
Madrid
Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain. The population of the city is roughly 3.3 million and the entire population of the Madrid metropolitan area is calculated to be 6.271 million. It is the third largest city in the European Union, after London and Berlin, and its metropolitan...
and the Sankt Georgen Graduate School of Philosophy and Theology
Sankt Georgen Graduate School of Philosophy and Theology
The Sankt Georgen Graduate School of Philosophy and Theology is an academic seminary in Frankfurt am Main, Germany....
in Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, Ladaria was ordained
Holy Orders
The term Holy Orders is used by many Christian churches to refer to ordination or to those individuals ordained for a special role or ministry....
to the priesthood
Priesthood (Catholic Church)
The ministerial orders of the Catholic Church include the orders of bishops, deacons and presbyters, which in Latin is sacerdos. The ordained priesthood and common priesthood are different in function and essence....
on 29 July 1973.
In 1975 he obtained a doctorate in theology
Doctor of Sacred Theology
The Doctor of Sacred Theology is the final theological degree in the pontifical university system of the Catholic Church....
from the Pontifical Gregorian University
Pontifical Gregorian University
The Pontifical Gregorian University is a pontifical university located in Rome, Italy.Heir of the Roman College founded by Saint Ignatius of Loyola over 460 years ago, the Gregorian University was the first university founded by the Jesuits...
, with a thesis
Thesis
A dissertation or thesis is a document submitted in support of candidature for an academic degree or professional qualification presenting the author's research and findings...
entitled, The Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit is a term introduced in English translations of the Hebrew Bible, but understood differently in the main Abrahamic religions.While the general concept of a "Spirit" that permeates the cosmos has been used in various religions Holy Spirit is a term introduced in English translations of...
in St Hilary of Poitiers
Hilary of Poitiers
Hilary of Poitiers was Bishop of Poitiers and is a Doctor of the Church. He was sometimes referred to as the "Hammer of the Arians" and the "Athanasius of the West." His name comes from the Latin word for happy or cheerful. His optional memorial in the Roman Catholic calendar of saints is 13...
, and became professor
Professor
A professor is a scholarly teacher; the precise meaning of the term varies by country. Literally, professor derives from Latin as a "person who professes" being usually an expert in arts or sciences; a teacher of high rank...
of dogmatic theology
Dogmatic theology
Dogmatic theology is that part of theology dealing with the theoretical truths of faith concerning God and his works, especially the official theology recognized by an organized Church body, such as the Roman Catholic Church, Dutch Reformed Church, etc...
at the Comillas Pontifical University. In 1984, he assumed the same position at the Pontifical Gregorian University
Pontifical Gregorian University
The Pontifical Gregorian University is a pontifical university located in Rome, Italy.Heir of the Roman College founded by Saint Ignatius of Loyola over 460 years ago, the Gregorian University was the first university founded by the Jesuits...
of Rome
Rome
Rome is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city and comune, with over 2.7 million residents in . The city is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, on the Tiber River within the Lazio region of Italy.Rome's history spans two and a half...
, where he was vice-rector
Rector
The word rector has a number of different meanings; it is widely used to refer to an academic, religious or political administrator...
from 1986 to 1994. He became a member of the International Theological Commission
International Theological Commission
The International Theological Commission of the Roman Catholic Church consists of up to 30 Catholic theologians from around the world. These theologians are appointed for renewable five year terms and have tended to meet together in person once every year for a week...
in 1992 and a consultor of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith
Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith
The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith , previously known as the Supreme Sacred Congregation of the Roman and Universal Inquisition , and after 1904 called the Supreme...
in 1995.
In March 2004, Ladaria Ferrer was named Secretary-General
Chief administrative officer
A chief administrative officer is responsible for administrative management of private, public or governmental corporations. The CAO is one of the highest ranking members of an organization, managing daily operations and usually reporting directly to the chief executive officer. In some companies,...
of the International Theological Commission and led the Commission's evaluation, beginning in 2006, of the concept of limbo
Limbo
In the theology of the Catholic Church, Limbo is a speculative idea about the afterlife condition of those who die in original sin without being assigned to the Hell of the damned. Limbo is not an official doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church or any other...
, that is, of the fate of children who die without having received the sacrament of Baptism
Baptism
In Christianity, baptism is for the majority the rite of admission , almost invariably with the use of water, into the Christian Church generally and also membership of a particular church tradition...
. The Commission concluded that there is hope that these children are able to receive salvation
Salvation
Within religion salvation is the phenomenon of being saved from the undesirable condition of bondage or suffering experienced by the psyche or soul that has arisen as a result of unskillful or immoral actions generically referred to as sins. Salvation may also be called "deliverance" or...
and enjoy the beatific vision
Beatific vision
The beatific vision - in Christian theology is the ultimate direct self communication of God to the individual person, when she or he reaches, as a member of redeemed humanity in the communion of saints, perfect salvation in its entirety, i.e. heaven...
.
On 9 July 2008, Ladaria was appointed Secretary
Secretary
A secretary, or administrative assistant, is a person whose work consists of supporting management, including executives, using a variety of project management, communication & organizational skills. These functions may be entirely carried out to assist one other employee or may be for the benefit...
of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and Titular Archbishop
Titular bishop
A titular bishop in various churches is a bishop who is not in charge of a diocese.By definition a bishop is an "overseer" of a community of the faithful, so when a priest is ordained a bishop the tradition of the Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches is that he be ordained for a specific place...
of Thibica by Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Benedict XVI
Benedict XVI is the 265th and current Pope, by virtue of his office of Bishop of Rome, the Sovereign of the Vatican City State and the leader of the Catholic Church as well as the other 22 sui iuris Eastern Catholic Churches in full communion with the Holy See...
. He continued to be general secretary of the International Theological Commission until 22 April 2009, when he resigned and was succeeded by Charles Morerod
Charles Morerod
Charles Morerod, O.P. , is a Swiss Dominican prelate. On 3 November 2011 he was appointed as bishop of Lausanne, Genève et Fribourg by Pope Benedict XVI. He had previously served as rector of the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas , professor of dogmatic theology...
, O.P.
His episcopal
Bishop (Catholic Church)
In the Catholic Church, a bishop is an ordained minister who holds the fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders and is responsible for teaching the Catholic faith and ruling the Church....
ordination
Ordination
In general religious use, ordination is the process by which individuals are consecrated, that is, set apart as clergy to perform various religious rites and ceremonies. The process and ceremonies of ordination itself varies by religion and denomination. One who is in preparation for, or who is...
took place on 26 July 2008 (the ordaining prelate being Tarcisio Cardinal Bertone
Tarcisio Cardinal Bertone
Tarcisio Pietro Evasio Bertone, S.D.B. is an Italian prelate and diplomat. A Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church, he currently serves as Cardinal Secretary of State and Camerlengo, having previously served as Archbishop of Vercelli from 1991 to 1995, as Secretary of the Congregation for the...
, SDB his predecessor as Secretary of the Congregation and now Cardinal Secretary of State
Cardinal Secretary of State
The Cardinal Secretary of State—officially Secretary of State of His Holiness The Pope—presides over the Holy See, usually known as the "Vatican", Secretariat of State, which is the oldest and most important dicastery of the Roman Curia...
. The co-consecrators were the new Cardinal Prefect William Joseph Levada and Bishop Vincenzo Paglia, one of the founders of the Community of Sant'Egidio
Community of Sant'Egidio
The Community of Sant'Egidio is a Christian community that is officially recognized by the Catholic Church as a "Church public lay association". It claims 50,000 members in more than 70 countries...
.
Ladaria Ferrer is considered to be theologically conservative
Conservatism
Conservatism is a political and social philosophy that promotes the maintenance of traditional institutions and supports, at the most, minimal and gradual change in society. Some conservatives seek to preserve things as they are, emphasizing stability and continuity, while others oppose modernism...
, and subscribes to ressourcement, a return to earlier sources, traditions, and symbols of the Church. He also has a predilection for patrology
Patristics
Patristics or Patrology is the study of Early Christian writers, known as the Church Fathers. The names derive from the Latin pater . The period is generally considered to run from the end of New Testament times or end of the Apostolic Age Patristics or Patrology is the study of Early Christian...
and Christology
Christology
Christology is the field of study within Christian theology which is primarily concerned with the nature and person of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament. Primary considerations include the relationship of Jesus' nature and person with the nature...
. On 13 November 2008, he was appointed a consultor of the Congregation for Bishops
Congregation for Bishops
The Congregation for Bishops is the congregation of the Roman Curia which oversees the selection of new bishops that are not in mission territories or those areas that come under the jurisdiction of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches who deal with the Eastern Catholics, pending papal...
http://212.77.1.245/news_services/bulletin/news/22900.php?index=22900&lang=en, and on 31 January 2009, a consultor of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity
Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity
The Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity origins are associated with the Second Vatican Council which met intermittently from 1962–1965.Pope John XXIII wanted the Catholic Church to engage in the contemporary ecumenical movement...
. http://212.77.1.245/news_services/bulletin/news/23286.php?index=23286&po_date=31.01.2009&lang=en#NOMINA%20DI%20MEMBRO%20DELLA%20CONGREGAZIONE%20DELLE%20CAUSE%20DEI%20SANTI
He is a member of the Holy See's team charged with the dialogue with the Society of St. Pius X
Dialogue between the Society of St. Pius X and the Holy See
For a number of years after the 1988 consecrations, there was little if any dialogue between the Society of St. Pius X and the Holy See. This state of affairs ended when the Society led a large pilgrimage to Rome for the Jubilee in the year 2000....
that began on 26 October 2009. The other members of the team are Father Charles Morerod, Monsignor Fernando Ocariz
Fernando Ocariz
Fernando Ocariz Braña is Vicar General of Opus Dei. He is a Catholic theologian who has published several books and who is regularly consulted by the Congregation of the Faith. He works at the Roman Curia, the central office of the Catholic Church....
, Vicar General of Opus Dei
Opus Dei
Opus Dei, formally known as The Prelature of the Holy Cross and Opus Dei , is an organization of the Catholic Church that teaches that everyone is called to holiness and that ordinary life is a path to sanctity. The majority of its membership are lay people, with secular priests under the...
, and Father Karl Josef Becker, S.J., consultor of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. However in February 2011, Bernard Fellay
Bernard Fellay
Bernard Fellay, SSPX is a bishop and superior general of the Traditionalist Catholic Society of St. Pius X. In 1988, the Roman Catholic Church declared Fellay automatically excommunicated through being consecrated a bishop by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, an act that the Holy See described as...
, said that the reconciliation talks with the Vatican would soon be coming to an end, with little change in the views of either side. In addition to disputes over the changes introduced by the Second Vatican Council
Second Vatican Council
The Second Vatican Council addressed relations between the Roman Catholic Church and the modern world. It was the twenty-first Ecumenical Council of the Catholic Church and the second to be held at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. It opened under Pope John XXIII on 11 October 1962 and closed...
, new problems have been created by plans for the beatification of Pope John Paul II
Beatification and canonisation of Pope John Paul II
Pope John Paul II reigned as pope of the Roman Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City for almost 27 years. Since his death on 2 April 2005, many thousands of people have been supporting the case for beatifying and canonising the late Pope John Paul II as a saint...
. Fellay said the scheduled beatification of Pope John Paul II on 1 May 2011 poses "a serious problem, the problem of a pontificate that caused things to proceed by leaps and bounds in the wrong direction, along 'progressive' lines, toward everything that they call 'the spirit of Vatican II.'"