Doctorate degree (three years) in Pastoral Theology

The Pontifical Pastoral Institute “Redemptor Hominis” trains and specializes students in pastoral theology: both in its fundamental themes (identity and method) and in relation to some specific areas of ecclesial activity. In particular, it prepares future teachers for teaching in seminaries and theological institutes as well as pastoral workers who are experts in the various fields of ecclesial life.

In view of a missionary renewal of the Church, the Institute pays particular attention to the themes of the Social Doctrine of the Church, the pastoral and health care; and the dialogue between theology, social and human sciences.

The history of the Pontifical Lateran University began in 1773 when Pope Clement XIV entrusted the Roman College’s Faculties of Theology and Philosophy to the clergy of Rome. In 1824, Pope Leo XII changed the institution’s location, situating it in the Sant’Apollinare Palazzo.

In 1853, Pius IX established the Faculties of Canon Law and Civil Law as well as the Pontifical Institute Utriusque Iuris.

In 1958, the Athenaeum acquired its present organization when Pius XII instituted the Pontifical Pastoral Institute, later dedicated with the name of Pope John Paul II’s first encyclical, Redemptor hominins. The following year, John XXIII granted it status as a Pontifical University.