Pope Leo XIV Appoints New Members to Historical Committee
Pope Leo XIV has appointed three new members to the Pontifical Committee for Historical Sciences. The new appointees are Professors Umberto Longo, director of the Italian Historical Institute for the Middle Ages in Rome…
Pope Leo XIV has appointed three new members to the Pontifical Committee for Historical Sciences. The new appointees are Professors Umberto Longo, director of the Italian Historical Institute for the Middle Ages in Rome; Francesco Cesareo, president emeritus of Assumption University in Worcester; and Anna Barańska, associate professor at the Faculty of Humanities of the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin.
The Pontifical Committee for Historical Sciences boasts a rich history that began over 70 years ago. Founded in 1954 by Pope Pius XII, it inherits the tradition of the Cardinal Commission for Historical Studies, established by Pope Leo XIII through the Apostolic Letter Saepenumero considerantes on August 18, 1883.
This Committee primarily focuses on the Church's archival heritage, particularly the Vatican Archives. Throughout its history, it has made numerous appeals to the Popes advocating for increased access for scholars to the archival collections maintained by the Holy See. The Committee is chaired by Jesuit Father Marek Inglot, with Pierantonio Piatti serving as its secretary.
The involvement of these historians is expected to enhance ongoing efforts in historical research and scholarship within the Church, continuing a legacy initiated by their predecessors.
