University of Navarra theologian Pedro Rodríguez enters the Royal Academy of Doctors of Spain. PHOTO: Manuel Castells

The theologian of the University of Navarra, Pedro Rodríguez, took possession of his place as a member of issue in the Royal Academy of Doctors of Spain (RADE) during a ceremony in Madrid. Juan Antonio Martínez Camino, auxiliary bishop of Madrid and University Secretary of the Episcopal lecture , who emphasized that "the Church needs scholars, like Professor Pedro Rodríguez, capable of offering the financial aid of Theology so that the authority of the Church, as is his mission statement, can give channel and encourage all that the Holy Spirit raises in the People of God".

He also praised his research work and also the finding of the original manuscript of the Roman Catechism, in the Vatican Library Services in 1985. It should be recalled that this text is the only one in history that a Pope had endorsed for use throughout the Church, and the critical edition published by Professor Rodriguez coincided with the beginning of the elaboration of the new Catechism, commissioned by John Paul II.

The structure of the Church is not the fruit of culture or sociology

In his talk, entitled The Fundamental Structure of the Church. Systematic Consideration, the theologian of the University of Navarra pointed out that "the fundamental structure of the Church is not something superimposed on her, the fruit of culture or sociology, but belongs to her very being and was given to her by Jesus Christ when he instituted the sacraments and sent the Holy Spirit to the Christian community".

Relying on the New Testament read in the light of the Second Vatican Council, the expert maintained that the Church, made up of the faithful and sacred ministers, "is a 'priestly community', that is, men and women who live before God and offer to God the Body of Christ and their own bodies". As he explained, this is so "through the 'common priesthood,' which is proper to all Christians, to men and women who have received Baptism; and the 'ministerial priesthood,' proper to bishops and priests, who through the Word and the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist, maintain the totality of the faithful in 'full communion' with Christ and with one another."

The RADE is composed of 10 sections, equivalent to the traditional university Schools , each of which is made up of 12 places (medals). Professor Pedro Rodríguez, doctor in Theology and Law, has been awarded the medal issue 51 corresponding to the First Section (Theology).