Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family

The Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family is an academic institution dedicated to research and teaching on family life and married relationships within the broader Lateran University complex. The facility includes classroom spaces, research departments, and theological libraries serving its student and faculty community.

The institute was established in 1981 by Pope John Paul II to advance academic research on marriage and family life from theological perspectives. Its founding responded to a broader effort to create dedicated spaces for studying how faith and doctrine address human relationships.

The institute serves as a meeting point for scholars from around the world who engage with theological perspectives on marriage and family life. Visitors notice an international community focused on understanding how faith shapes approaches to human relationships and domestic life.

Academic programs are taught mainly in Italian and English, so language skills in these areas are important for participation. Visitors should know this is primarily an academic institution serving students and researchers rather than a general tourist destination.

The institute maintains a specialized archive of documents on marriage and family theology, including original manuscripts from discussions at the Second Vatican Council. These historical sources make it an important research destination for scholars studying how the church has approached these topics.

Location: Rome

Inception: 1981

Founders: John Paul II

Address: Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano 4

Website: http://istitutogp2.it

GPS coordinates: 41.88456,12.50349

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:05