Harvard Researcher on Human Flourishing Named to Pontifical Academy

Tyler J. VanderWeele appointed to Vatican research group focused on social sciences

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Tyler J. VanderWeele, a professor of epidemiology at Harvard University whose work focuses on human flourishing, has been named an ordinary member of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences by Pope Leo XIV. VanderWeele, who was born in Chicago like the Pope, said Catholic social teaching has 'powerfully shaped' his research on happiness, well-being, and the pursuit of societal flourishing.

Why it matters

The Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences was established by St. John Paul II in 1994 to promote the study of economics, sociology, law, and political science in order to enrich the Church's social doctrine. VanderWeele's appointment reflects the Vatican's interest in drawing on academic expertise to better understand and address contemporary social challenges.

The details

VanderWeele is the director of Harvard's Human Flourishing Program and co-director of the Initiative on Health, Spirituality, and Religion. His research explores psychiatric and social epidemiology, the science of happiness and human flourishing, and the relationship between religion and health. He has published over 500 peer-reviewed articles and several books, including 'Handbook of Religion and Health' and 'A Theology of Health'.

  • VanderWeele was appointed to the Pontifical Academy on February 16, 2026.

The players

Tyler J. VanderWeele

A professor of epidemiology at Harvard University whose work focuses on human flourishing, psychiatric and social epidemiology, and the relationship between religion and health.

Pope Leo XIV

The current Pope, who was born in Chicago like VanderWeele.

St. John Paul II

The Pope who established the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences in 1994.

Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences

A Vatican research group that promotes the study of economics, sociology, law, and political science to enrich the Church's social doctrine.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Catholic social teaching has powerfully shaped the way I think about my own work, and about the pursuit of societal flourishing.”

— Tyler J. VanderWeele, Professor of Epidemiology, Harvard University (OSV News)

What’s next

The Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences will likely invite VanderWeele to participate in upcoming conferences, workshops, and research projects related to its mission.

The takeaway

VanderWeele's appointment to the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences underscores the Vatican's interest in drawing on academic expertise to better understand and address contemporary social challenges through the lens of Catholic social teaching.