With his Motu Proprio "Vitae Mysterium" (11.2.1994), John Paul II established the Pontifical Academy for Life, whose specific task is:

a) study questions and issues connected with the promotion and defence of human life from an interdisciplinary perspective;

b) foster a culture of life – in relation to those aspects that belong to its specific range of competence – through suitable initiatives, and always in full respect of the Magisterium of the Church;

c) inform the authorities of the Church, the various institutions of the biomedical sciences, social-health care organisations, the mass media, and the civil community in general about the most relevant results of its study and research activities in a clear and prompt manner (cf. Vitae mysterium, n. 4).

After the death of its first President, Prof. Jerome Lejeune, which took place in April 1994, the PAV has been led by the Chilean, Prof. Juan de Dios Vial Correa, until December 2004. Currently, it is led by the President, H.E. Msgr. Elio Sgreccia, assisted by the Chancellor, Msgr. Ignacio Carrasco de Paula, together with the Governing Council.

The Pontifical Academy for Life, in addition to the Central Office which is located in the Vatican, has an international team presently composed by 51 ordinary Members, all appointed by the Pope, who are experts in the different sectors of the biomedical sciences and the disciplines which bear upon the questions and issues connected with the promotion and the defense of life. In addition to the ordinary Members, there are currently 72 correspondent Members whose contribution is requested on specific occasions, in line with their special individual espertise.