The St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology's Founder and President, Dr. Scott Hahn, has been appointed to the prestigious Pio Cardinal Laghi Chair for Visiting Professors in Scripture and Theology for 2003-2005 at The Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio.

The appointment was announced in early May by Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo, Pope John Paul II’s Apostolic Nuncio to the United States and Chancellor of the Pontifical College Josephinum.

"I am delighted that Dr. Hahn has received this honor," said Interim Rector/President and Academic Dean Father James F. Garneau, Ph.D. "He has distinguished himself throughout his career with a profound dedication to theological scholarship and an international reputation for serving the Church."

The chair was established in 1992 in honor of Cardinal Pio Laghi, Prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education, upon his departure from the United States where he had served as the Apostolic Pro-Nuncio and Chancellor of the Josephinum.

Hahn, who is also a Professor of Theology and Scripture at Franciscan University of Steubenville, will be first lay person to hold the Laghi Chair.

In addition to teaching courses, Dr. Hahn’s two-year appointment will include delivery of the Laghi Chair Lecture and publication of a scholarly article in the Josephinum Journal of Theology.

“I am very grateful to be appointed to the Cardinal Laghi Chair at the Pontifical College Josephinum,” Hahn said. “It is both exciting and humbling to be able to teach at this outstanding seminary with so many gifted students and such a superb faculty. With keen awareness of the stature of the previous occupants of the Laghi Chair, as well as my own limitations, I earnestly ask for the prayers of all, that I might serve faithfully and fruitfully.”

The Josephinum is an international seminary with students from 30 national dioceses and six international dioceses. Ordained alumni currently serve the Church in 48 states and 22 foreign countries.