The Symposium for a Fundamental Theology of the Priesthood, held at the Vatican from February 17 to 19, 2022, inaugurated a new phase of theological and pastoral reflection in the context of contemporary questions regarding the ministry of priests and the priesthood of the baptized. The deepening of the relationship between the two participations—baptismal and ministerial—in the one priesthood of Christ is fundamental for renewing the mission of the Church in the spirit of openness and dialogue of the Second Vatican Council.


This perspective is also pertinent for the promotion and communication of all vocations, especially that of women, whose charisms are yet to be fully recognized and integrated in their rightful place within the life of the Church. Finally, and no less important, this reflection offers synodal practice a solid theological foundation for making the participation of the faithful dynamic, which must not only correct the limitations and defects of the exercise of the ordained ministry, but also actively and permanently exercise the gifts and charisms that the Holy Spirit has poured out on all baptized people.


Cardinal Marc Ouellet was born on June 8, 1944, at La Motte, Canada. He was ordained a priest for the diocese of Amos, on May 25, 1968. He studied in Rome where, in 1974 he obtained a license in philosophy at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas. In 1983, he received a doctorate in dogmatic theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University with a thesis entitled "Existence as a Mission: The Theological Anthropology of Hans Urs von Balthasar." Between 1970 and 1989, he lived in Colombia, where he taught for a decade in various seminaries with the Sulpician priests. Then, from 1996 to 2002, he held the hair of sacramental theology at John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family.


In March 2001, he was chosen as the titular bishop of Agropoli and secretary of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. On March 19 that same year, he was ordained a bishop by Pope John Paul II, who in 2002 appointed him metropolitan archbishop of Quebec and primate of Canada. He was created cardinal in 2003. In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him prefect of the Congregation (now Dicastery) for Bishops, and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. He was confirmed in those two positions by Pope Francis.

†