Warnings of too little or too much devotion to Our Lady in newly revised Statutes of the Pontifical International Marian Academy
In 1946, the Order of Friars Minor established the Commissio Mariana Franciscana to organize Marian studies and devotion within its ranks. Along with this Commission, the Academia Mariana Internationalis was founded to promote and coordinate Mariological and Marian studies worldwide. The two institutions were entrusted to the guidance of their inspiration, Father Carlo Balić, O.F.M., at the time Rector Magnificent of the Pontifical Athenaeum Antonianum and Chair of Mariology. Since 1950, the Holy See has entrusted the Academia Mariana with the organization of International Mariological-Marian Congresses. On December 8, 1959, Pope John XXIII, with the Motu Proprio Maiora in dies, acknowledging that the Academy's activities had contributed to the advancement of Marian doctrine and devotion, awarded it the title "Pontifical." He entrusted it with the permanent organization of International Mariological Marian Congresses, the coordination and encounter of Mariology scholars from around the world, and reaffirmed its mission to promote and foster studies on the Blessed Virgin Mary with a view to the excellence of Mariology and the promotion of authentic Marian devotion. Thus was born the Pontificia Academia Mariana Internationalis.
To date, the Academy "has accompanied the universal Magisterium of the Church with research and the coordination of Mariological studies [...] through cooperation with various academic institutions," providing "a clear testimony to how Mariology is a necessary presence in dialogue between cultures, capable of fostering fraternity and peace" (Francis, Message to the Pontifical Academies, December 4, 2019).
The Pontifical International Marian Academy fosters and coordinates, following the path of truth, exchanges among Mariology scholars from around the world; following the path of beauty, it fosters expressions of the human heart, manifested through worship, devotions, pilgrimages, and all forms of art; following the path of charity, it strives to ensure that Marian study and devotion are not reduced to sterile devotionism, but rather give life to Marian places that promote the well-being and integral development of the human person in harmony with the environment.
The Pontifical Academy identifies and actively pursues forms and methods that foster the dissemination of sound Mariological knowledge through culture, which synthesizes the three aforementioned paths, in the service of the Church and universal brotherhood in solidarity and world peace.
Since its founding, it has been linked to the Supreme Sacred Congregation of the Holy Office (now the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith). With the 1997 Statutes, the Pontifical Council for Culture coordinated its activities with the other Pontifical Academies. With the Apostolic Constitution Praedicate Evangelium, this function is performed by the Dicastery for Culture and Education.
Having originated within the Order of Friars Minor at the Pontifical Athenaeum Antonianum, which later became a University, on May 18, 1972, the Pontifical International Marian Academy was aggregated to the latter as an institution specializing in Mariology. On December 4, 2012, the Pontifical International Marian Academy merged with the Pontifical Academy of the Immaculate Conception.
Today, the Pontifical Academy, as an autonomous legal entity, continues its collaboration with this Franciscan University through an agreement. Thus, the "Blessed John Duns Scotus" Chair of Mariological Studies was established within the Faculty of Theology, while the "Carlo Balić Library" was established within the Library. These forms of collaboration should not be considered exhaustive and do not preclude others, depending on the opportunities and indications of the Church's Magisterium in the fields of theological research and evangelization. Therefore, the Pontifical Academy uses the most appropriate tools for collaboration with academic, ecclesiastical, and civil institutions with a view to a fruitful dialogue and encounter between faith, culture, justice, and peace in the name of Mary, the Mother of Jesus.
Title I
IDENTITY AND PURPOSE
Article 1
Institution and Legal Status
The Pontifical International Marian Academy, established by the Motu Proprio Maiora in dies of December 8, 1959, enjoys both public canonical and Vatican civil legal status.
Article 2
Legal and Operational Headquarters
The Academy has its legal headquarters on Via del Pellegrino, Vatican City State. Entrusted since its inception to the Order of Friars Minor, it maintains its historic operational headquarters at the International College of St. Anthony, Via Merulana 124/b, Rome, Italy. Relations in this area are governed by a specific agreement signed between the parties.
Article 3
Institutional Relations
§1. The Academy's activities are coordinated by the Dicastery for Culture and Education (see art. 162, Apostolic Constitution Praedicate Evangelium).
§2. The Academy collaborates with the Pontifical University Antonianum under the terms established in a specific agreement.
Article 4
Aims and Purposes
The Academy, which since its inception has venerated as its patroness the Mother of the Lord in her Mystery of the Immaculate Conception and Assumption into Heaven, has the task of promoting and supporting Mariological-Marian research at all levels and coordinating its studies within the framework of an ever-renewed evangelization, taking into account the language of various cultures and the Marian manifestations specific to each people. It involves Mariological Societies and various ecclesial and cultural institutions, religious and lay formation centers, Episcopal Conferences, Dioceses, and Parishes, as well as Marian Movements and Shrines, in deepening the understanding of the presence of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the mystery of Christ and the Church, and in pursuit of a healthy popular piety, avoiding any form of maximalism or minimalism.
Article 5
Activities
As a place dedicated to encounter and dialogue between cultures, the Academy, in order to achieve its purpose:
a) promotes and animates initiatives dedicated to the knowledge and veneration of the Mother of the Lord, in an intercultural context and with attention to the ecumenical and interreligious dimension;
b) promotes the establishment of Societies, Centers, and other institutions aimed at encounter and intercultural dialogue among scholars of Mariology and Marian devotion;
c) prepares and directs International Mariological-Marian Congresses with the Academic Council;
d) oversees the publication of their Proceedings and other publications of a Mariological-Marian nature;
e) regarding its activities in various countries, the Academy informs the Dicastery for Culture and Education and the local Episcopate;
f) the Academy publicizes its activities through various means of communication;
g) For the proper functioning of its activities, the Academy must always operate in coordination with the Secretariat of State.
Title II
COMPOSITION AND GOVERNANCE STRUCTURES
Article 6
Members
§1. The Academy may co-opt among its members "major international figures in the theological and humanistic sciences, chosen from among believers and non-believers" (art. 162, Apostolic Constitution Praedicate Evangelium). Therefore, it is composed of members, who may be: a) ordinary, b) corresponding, c) honorary, d) benefactors, e) emeritus.
§2. The number of ordinary members does not exceed 90. The number of other members is not limited. "Scholars of Mariology" from other Christian denominations, as well as from other religions and cultures, may also be included among the Academy's members.
§3. Certain institutions may become members of the Academy, participating in its activities through their legal representatives pro tempore.
Article 7
Governing Bodies
The Academy is governed by the President, assisted by the Council. The Council is composed of the President, the Secretary, the Treasurer, the Director of the Office for Promotion and Development, and seven members elected from among the ordinary members.
Article 8
The President
The President of the Academy is appointed by the Roman Pontiff for a five-year term, after which he may be reappointed as many times as necessary. The candidate for the office of President is chosen from among the members of the Order of Friars Minor, specialists in Mariology, and is proposed by the Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor after the Visitor, appointed by the Minister General, has consulted the Council of the Academy.
Article 9
The Secretary and the Bursar
The Secretary and the Bursar of the Academy are appointed by the Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor for a renewable five-year term. Both candidates are proposed by the President of the Academy and are appointed by the Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor, subject to the authorization of the Secretariat of State. If necessary, the Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor, in agreement with the President, may appoint other officials to serve the Academy, including non-members of the Order of Friars Minor. Upon assuming their office, Academy officials of any rank, title, or position accept the condition that their service is voluntary and may not expect anything in return, either now or in the future.
Article 10
The Council
§1. The seven members of the Academy Council must be ordinary members. They are chosen through elections, in which only ordinary members have the right to participate. They hold office for a five-year term, after which they may be reappointed multiple times. Council members must represent the various geographical areas of the world and act as spokespersons for the national Mariological Societies.
§2. When the President deems it appropriate, he invites the Presidents of the Mariological Societies or their delegates to the Extraordinary Council, who participate without the right to vote.
§3. The Council shall be convened by the President at least twice a year or when at least three members request it.
Article 11
Duties of the President
The President is responsible for:
a) ensuring that the Academy grows and progresses over time according to its goals;
b) implementing the mandate entrusted to the Academy by Saint John XXIII with the Motu Proprio Maiora in dies of December 8, 1959, regarding Mariological-Marian Congresses among the people, for the benefit of Marian science and devotion in general, and the formation of Mariological scholars in particular;
c) After obtaining the opinion of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, submit the theme and program of the International Mariological Marian Congress to the Secretariat of State, which then submits them for approval by the Roman Pontiff;
d) Request, through the Secretariat of State, the appointment of the Special Envoy of the Roman Pontiff to preside over the International Mariological Marian Congress;
e) Promote the promotion of Mariological study and research according to criteria of quality and excellence, as well as assist in the establishment of Mariological-Marian societies and study centers;
f) Edit and distribute the Academy's print and online publications;
g) Direct cooperative Mariological-Marian activities (conferences, congresses, meetings) organized by the Academy;
h) Represent the Academy in public proceedings or appoint a representative;
i) Appoint censors of works published by the Academy;
l) Oversee the administration of the Academy's assets;
m) transmit the budgets approved by the Council to the competent economic bodies, according to the procedures established by current legislation, for final approval by the Council for the Economy;
n) appoint the Director of the Office for Promotion and Development and other officials;
o) summon the Presidents of the Mariological Societies or their delegates to Council meetings when necessary;
p) convene the Assembly of members and leaders of the Marian Societies and Centers during the International Mariological Marian Congress and when circumstances permit;
q) propose candidates to the Council for promotion to ordinary membership;
r) list corresponding members, after consulting the Council;
s) list honorary members and benefactor members;
t) request the Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor to appoint a Visitor for the purpose of designating the President.
Article 12
Duties of the Secretary
The Secretary shall:
a) assist the President;
b) manage publications together with the President and the Secretariat;
c) manage correspondence and relations with members and Mariological Societies;
d) draft session minutes;
e) maintain the archives with all documents;
f) work in conjunction with the Office for the Promotion and Development of the Academy;
g) communicate promptly, through all available channels and formats, the Academy's initiatives;
h) assume the duties of the President, pursuant to Article 11, should his office become vacant.
Article 13
Duties of the Treasurer
The Treasurer shall:
a) administer the Academy's assets under the direction of the President;
b) manage the accounting;
c) manage the collection of funds necessary for the Academy's operation;
d) prepare the proposed budgets, both preliminary and final, to be submitted to the Board of Directors.
e) ensure the maintenance of the Academy's property and premises;
f) work in conjunction with the Office for the Promotion and Development of the Academy.
Article 14
Tasks of the Council
The Council is responsible for:
a) ensuring that the Academy achieves its goals, especially with regard to the organization of International Mariological and Marian Congresses;
b) approving the suitability of prospective ordinary and corresponding members, as well as deciding on the dismissal of members who no longer meet the requirements;
c) deciding on the budget and the final financial statements.
Article 15
Auditor
§1. The Auditor is appointed by the Secretariat for the Economy for a five-year term and may be reappointed.
§2. The Auditor is responsible for:
a) supervising the accounting and the consistency of the financial statements with the accounting records, in accordance with the provisions of the applicable laws;
b) prepare the report on the budgets, estimates, and final accounts;
c) the Auditor may at any time conduct inspections and audits and subsequently submit his report to the Secretariat for the Economy;
d) participate, without the right to vote, in Council meetings when the matters being discussed require his presence.
Article 16
Appointment of Ordinary Members
The Council, upon the President's proposal, promotes as ordinary members of the Academy those who have been recognized for having enriched Marian scholarship with works, studies, or other activities of a Marian nature, and who continue to be involved in Mariology on a regular basis. The appointment of ordinary members requires the authorization of the Secretariat of State. Upon reaching the age of 75, they are promoted to the number of emeritus members.
Article 17
Appointment of Corresponding Members
§1. After consulting the Council, the President shall include among corresponding members those who have demonstrated their commitment to Mariology or are scholars of Marian science and devotion.
§2. The President may include:
a) among honorary members, individuals worthy of ecclesiastical or civil dignity, as well as scholars of Mariology from various universities, shrines, movements, associations, and institutions;
b) among benefactor members, those who contribute to the implementation of the Academy's activities.
Article 18
Office for Promotion and Development
§1. The Academy has an Office for Promotion and Development, tasked with maintaining institutional relations at the internal and international levels. It is not responsible for fundraising.
§2. The structure and functioning of the Office are defined in the Academy's Bylaws.
§3. The President, after consulting the Council, shall appoint the Director and any other representatives.
Title III
FINAL PROVISIONS
Article 19
Regulations
The procedures for carrying out the Academy's activities are defined in the Regulations, drafted in accordance with these Statutes and approved by the Council.
Article 20
Dissolution of the Institution
In the event of the dissolution of the Institution, all assets will be transferred to the Holy See.
Article 21
Amendments to the Statutes
Any amendments to the Statutes are submitted by the President of the Academy, after receiving the opinion of the Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor and the Dicastery for Culture and Education, to the Secretariat of State, which then submits them for approval by the Roman Pontiff.
Article 22
Reference Rule
For matters not expressly provided for in these Statutes, reference is made to the provisions of Canon Law and the laws of the Vatican City State.
Vatican City, January 21, 2026
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