Pope names Filipino Dominican priest to Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences

Pope Francis has appointed Filipino Dominican Fr. Albino Barrera, a theologian and economist, as a member of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences.

The 65-year old priest, who is based in the United States, is a moral theologian and professor of economics and theology at Providence College in Rhode Island.

The Vatican announced his appointment on Tuesday, September 14.

Established by Pope John Paul II in 1994, the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences aims to study and discuss the progress of the social sciences, primarily economics, sociology, law and political science.

“The Academy helps offer the Church those elements which she can use in the development of her social doctrine, and reflects on the application of that doctrine in contemporary society,” according to Vatican News.

Born in Manila, Barrera was ordained a priest for the Dominican Order in 1993.

He studied engineering at the De La Salle University in Manila and earned his doctorate in economics from Yale University in 1988.

The priest later obtained a degree in sacred theology from Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., in 1994.

Barrera has also authored numerous publications in the field of moral theology, economic ethics, development and international trade.

In 2013, the Dominican Province of St. Joseph conferred upon him the degree of Master of Sacred Theology for his “outstanding contribution to the theological sciences”. (CBCP News)

A version of this article was first published on CBCP News.