We're pleased to announce that Dr Sara Parvis, Senior Lecturer at the School of Divinity, has been appointed to the International Theological Commission by Pope Leo XIV The Announcement came from Pope Leo XIV last week that Dr Sara Parvis has been elected as one of 24 new members of the International Theological Commission for the 2026-2031 term. Her appointment has increased the number of women represented on the commission from five to eight including a total of five laywomen.Born in Aberdeen and growing up in Edinburgh, Dr Parvis became a lay Dominican in 2013 and currently serves as president of the Edinburgh Lay Dominican Fraternity. Alongside this, she is Senior Lecturer in Early Christianity at the School of Divinity, most recently holding the role of Director of Teaching at the school.All at the School are delighted for Dr Parvis. To find out more information about her appointment please use the following links. Pope Leo XIV Appoints Lay Dominican Sara Parvis to International Theological Co… Pope Leo XIV appoints members of International Theological Commission Dr Sara Parvis The appointment of Dr Sara Parvis to Pope Leo XIV’s International Theological Commission this month is a tremendous recognition of the standing of her international theological work and experience as a scholar of early Christianity. She is amongst only five laywomen on the International Theological Commission and this widening inclusion is a positive development. Dr Parvis will play an important role in shaping Catholic theological thinking in this position and it is an honour for the School of Divinity and the University of Edinburgh that she brings such significant international outreach and engagement in her theological work. Professor Jeremy Carrette It's a huge honour to have been appointed to the Vatican's International Theological Commission for the next quinquennium (five-year advisory round). This is a body of thirty Catholic theologians and church historians from around the world who offer advice on upcoming papal documents from their different areas of expertise. I hope to be able to offer a Scottish perspective on the topics which will be discussed, as well as an Early Church perspective. Dr Sara Parvis International Theological Commission Established by Pope St. Paul VI on 11 April 1969, the International Theological Commission assists the Holy See, particularly the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, in examining doctrinal questions of greater importance. It brings together theologians from different countries and theological schools, chosen for their expertise and fidelity to the Church’s Magisterium.The commission comprises no more than 30 members, appointed by the Pope for five-year terms. It meets in plenary session at least annually and also conducts its work through subcommittees. The results of its studies are presented to the Pope and submitted to the dicastery. International Theological Commission This article was published on Tuesday 27 October 2026
