Theologian highlights contribution of laypeople to International Theological Commission

Father Fabricio Forcat is an Argentine priest who has just been appointed a member of the International Theological Commission (ITC). He recently explained how this Vatican body, which assists the Holy See in “examining doctrinal questions of major importance,” carries out its work.

What is the International Theological Commission? Established by St. Paul VI in 1969, the ITC operates under the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. According to the Vatican website , it is composed of “theologians from diverse schools and nations, noted for their knowledge and faithfulness to the Magisterium of the Church.”

Its members are appointed by the Holy Father for a five-year term, upon the proposal of the dicastery’s cardinal prefect and following consultation with the episcopal conferences. They meet in a plenary assembly once a year, and the results of their studies are presented to the pope. One of the pontiff’s most recent requests has been for them to conduct the necessary studies to define what is meant by the tradition of the Church .

The commission consists of a maximum of 30 members . For the 2026–2031 term, eight women have been appointed — six laywomen and two women…