# Catholic theologian from Edinburgh appointed by Pope Leo to advise Vatican **By:** Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco **Published:** 2026-10-21T10:00:00Z **Source:** [The Herald](https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/26655450.pope-leo-appoints-edinburgh-university-academic-vatican-commission) --- Pope Leo appoints Edinburgh theologian to prominent Vatican commission Dr Parvis has been apppointed to the 30-member commission. (Image: Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh) A theologian from the University of Edinburgh has been appointed by Pope Leo to advise the Vatican on Catholic theology and doctrine.  Dr Sara Parvis has been appointed to serve on the Holy See's International Theological Commission during its new five-year term (2026-2031). Dr Parvis, who was born in Aberdeen and raised in Edinburgh, is an associate professor at the university specialising in church history, early Christianity, and patristic theology. A senior Catholic bishop has welcomed the appointment.  Bishop John Keenan, president of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, said: “On behalf of the Catholic Bishops of Scotland, I warmly congratulate Sara on her appointment by Pope Leo to this important Commission. Bishop John Keenan. (Image: Bishops’ Conference of Scotland) This appointment is a recognition of her distinguished theological scholarship and of the contribution Scottish scholars continue to make to the life of the universal Church. “We wish Sara every blessing as she takes up this important responsibility and assure her of our prayers.” “It’s a great honour to be appointed to the International Theological Commission,” said Dr Parvis. “I’m very pleased to be bringing a Scottish perspective to the conversations the group will be having over the next few years.”  Dr Parvis, a member of St Albert's Catholic Chaplaincy in the capital, is one of 24 new appointees to the commission.  Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh Leo Cushley also welcomed the news of Dr Parvis’ appointment. “I am delighted that Sara has been appointed to the International Theological Commission and warmly congratulate her on this well-deserved honour,” he said. “She is a highly respected theologian who has made a valuable contribution to the life of the Church here in Edinburgh. “Her knowledge and experience will be a great asset to the Commission as it assists the Holy Father in addressing important theological questions. “I wish her every blessing in this important work.” According to the Vatican, Dr Parvis is one of eight female members on the 30-member commission, an increase from the five women who served during the commission’s previous term.  “The International Theological Commission begins its 2026-2031 term, comprising 30 members, up from 28 in the previous term, with increased representation from Asia, Africa, and South America,” the Holy See said. Pope Leo XIV recently underwent surgery to remove a lung nodule. (Image: Andrew Medichini) “On Monday, Pope Leo XIV appointed 24 new members, confirming 6 others, including Msgr. Piero Coda for another five years as the Commission’s Secretary General.” The appointments have been announced as Pope Leo is recovering from surgery to remove a lung nodule.  The first American-born pontiff, 71, underwent the surgery last week at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.  Read more: Kevin McKenna: Pope Leo is the first American pontiff, but Trump should not celebrate Pope Leo XIV remembers Gaza’s suffering in first Christmas homily Pope Leo XIV’s lung nodule surgery completed successfully, Vatican says “I would like to thank all those who have prayed for me in recent days,” Pope Leo said on Sunday. “I wish to express my particular gratitude to the doctors, nurses and all the staff of the Gemelli Hospital. “This experience has made me feel particularly close to all those who are living with illness or infirmity,” he added. “Now that I have overcome this delicate phase I will gradually resume my activities, always with God’s help and your prayers.”