The John Paul II Pontifical Theological Institute for Marriage and Family Sciences .
The Institute offers canonical licentiate and doctoral programs in theology of marriage and the family, licentiate and doctorate programs in marriage and family sciences, and an expert diploma in family ministry.
The universal vocation of this Pontifical Institute was reaffirmed and specified by Pope Francis in his Motu proprio Summa familiae cura (September 8, 2017). In this document, the Holy Father highlighted the need for dialogue between theology and the sciences of marriage, as well as the Church’s support for all families in the contemporary context. The Statutes approved in 2019 have also allowed us to significantly renew the study programs and lines of research of our academic community, making this Institute entirely dedicated to theology and sciences of marriage and the family, a pole of excellence. in higher education.
Since its foundation in 1981 by Saint Pope John Paul II, our Pontifical Institute has an international vocation and is currently made up of the central headquarters in Rome and several national sections around the world: Washington DC (USA), Mexico City, Salvador from Bahia (Brazil), Cotonou (Benin), Changanacherry (India), Valencia and Madrid (Spain). Throughout these 40 years, the Institute has trained students from all over the world at various levels.
The Pontifical John Paul II Theological Institute in Rome is a unique place, whose mission is to promote the family as a school of the richest humanism, following Gaudium et Spes , 52. Families “are not a problem, but mainly an opportunity”, as we indicates Pope Francis ( Amoris Laetitia , 7). We are called to support, protect and accompany them. The main lines of the Institute’s mission are as follows:
- To be at the service of the local Churches to support the vocation to marriage and family;
- Implement a pedagogy adapted to adult learners from diverse cultures, through research workshops and innovative publications for those involved in youth and family ministry;
- Promote interdisciplinary reflection on the family on an international scale;
- Place solidarity, fraternity and synodal work at the center of human love.
Aware of the importance for the Church and society of the mission entrusted to our Pontifical Institute, we place ourselves at the service of the dioceses of your Country, with the desire to offer an opportunity for solid formation to priests, religious and laity who wish to deepen their training in an area as decisive as that of marriage and the family.
If you require more detailed information, please contact our secretariat ( seginternaz@istitutogp2.it ), who will be able to answer your questions.
For the licentiate and the canonical doctorate in theology, applications for study scholarships can be sent directly to the central office in Rome. Each application must be accompanied by the following documents
- A letter of introduction from the Bishop or Religious Superior describing the project for the local Church;
- The candidate’s resume ;
- A motivation letter from the candidate;
- Copy of identity document and diplomas obtained;
- A certificate of knowledge of the Italian language (level B1 or higher). The B2 level can be reached in Rome before the start of the course.
REGISTRATION opens in June 2022 (classes start on Monday, October 3, 2022) .
To consult the details of the proposed programs, click on the boxes:
 | Licentiate in Theology of Marriage and Family ( STL) Duration: 2 academic years (120 ECTS). Admission requirement: Baccalaureate in Theology, at least cum laude. Objectives: to train the student in an in-depth knowledge of the subject and educate him on scientific work. The organization of studies is divided into fundamental disciplines, complementary subjects and seminars. It includes a final exam and a written dissertation. Academic program 2021-2022 Learn more about the Licentiate in Theology |
 | Doctorate in Theology of Marriage and Family ( STD) Duration: 3 academic years. Admission Requirement: License in Theology magna cum laude. Objectives: the Doctorate qualifies for teaching in a Faculty and is aimed at perfecting scientific training, through the research and elaboration of the doctoral dissertation. Academic program 2021-2022 Learn more about the Doctorate in Theology |
 | Licentiate in Marriage and Family Sciences Duration: 2 academic years (120 ECTS). Admission requirement: first cycle university degree at least three years. Objectives: to train the student in an in-depth knowledge of the subject and educate him on scientific work. The organization of studies is divided into fundamental disciplines, complementary subjects and seminars. It includes a final exam and a written dissertation. Academic program 2021-2022 Learn more about the Licentiate in Science |
 | Doctorate in Marriage and Family Sciences – Doctorate in Marriage and Family Sciences Duration: 3 academic years. Admission Requirement: Licentiate in Marriage and Family Sciences or equivalent. Objectives: the Doctorate qualifies for teaching in a Faculty and is aimed at perfecting scientific training, through the research and elaboration of the doctoral dissertation. Academic program 2021-2022 Learn more about the Doctorate of Science |
 | Diploma annuale di Esperto in Scienze su Matrimonio e Famiglia – Diploma in Marriage and Family Sciences Durata: 1 anno accademico (60 ECTS). Requisito di ammissione: titolo di scuola superiore valido per l’accesso all’università nel paese di origine. Programma accademico 2021-2022 Ulteriori informazioni sul Diploma in Scienze |
For more information
Pontificio Istituto Teologico Giovanni Paolo II
Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano, 4
00120 Città del Vaticano
Tel.: +39 06 698 86 113
Fax: +39 06 698 86 103
E-mail: info@istitutogp2.it