Jozef Glasa new FIAMC president

Professor Jozef Glasa was elected president of the International Federation of Catholic Medical Associations (FIAMC) in Brasília, Brazil – July 31, 2026

On the Feast of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the General Assembly of the International Federation of Catholic Medical Associations (FIAMC), convened during the 27th FIAMC World Congress in Brasília, Brazil (30 July–1 August 2026), elected Professor Jozef Glasa as the new President of FIAMC. The coincidence of this important election with the liturgical celebration of Saint Ignatius—whose spirituality of discernment, service, and dedication to the greater glory of God has inspired generations of Christians—was received by many participants as a source of encouragement and hope for the Federation’s future mission.

Professor Glasa, MD, PhD, is President of the Slovak Society of Catholic Physicians and Vice President of the European Federation of Catholic Medical Associations (FEAMC). A distinguished specialist in Internal Medicine, Hepatology, and Clinical Pharmacology, he is the founder and former Head of the Institute of Medical Ethics at the Slovak Medical University in Bratislava. He has served in numerous international professional organizations, is a Corresponding Member of the Pontifical Academy for Life, and has made outstanding contributions to the fields of bioethics, medical ethics, research, and medical education.

The General Assembly also elected Professor Vincenzo Defilippis fromItaly, former President of FEAMC, as Treasurer of FIAMC.

In his inaugural address, Professor Glasa outlined his vision for FIAMC, reaffirming his commitment to the FIAMC Statutes and to strengthening the Federation’s international mission. He emphasized the importance of fostering collaboration among Catholic associations of physicians and other healthcare professionals across all continents and invited the active participation of member associations in promoting Christian ethical principles in medicine and healthcare.

Representatives of several European Catholic medical associations—including Croatia, Italy, Portugal, Slovakia, and Slovenia—participated in the General Assembly under the leadership of Prof. Rok Čivljak, President of FEAMC. European delegates also contributed to the scientific programme of the Congress through invited lectures, enriching the international exchange of knowledge and experience.

The Congress also marked the 60th anniversary of the publication of the first FIAMC Statutes and the formal establishment of the Federation. During the commemorative gala dinner, the newly elected President expressed his gratitude to the delegates for their confidence and support. On this occasion, Prof. Glasa and Prof. Čivljak met with Archbishop Renzo Pegoraro, president of the Pontifical Academy for Life, to discuss future opportunities for cooperation, particularly in advancing the ethical formation of medical students and young healthcare professionals and strengthening pastoral care in healthcare.

The election of Professor Glasa inaugurates a new chapter in the life of FIAMC. Building upon six decades of service to the Church and the medical profession, the Federation looks forward to further strengthening its global network of Catholic medical associations, promoting excellence in healthcare inspired by the Gospel, and witnessing to the dignity of every human person through the practice of medicine.

FIAMC extends its heartfelt congratulations to Professor Jozef Glasa and assures him of its full support as he begins his mandate. We pray that, under his leadership, the Federation will continue to grow in unity, fidelity to its mission, and service to the Church and the world. May Divine Providence guide and sustain his work, through the intercession of Saint Luke the Evangelist, patron saint of physicians, and of all the holy patrons of medicine, so that FIAMC may continue to promote the Gospel of Life and the Christian vocation of healthcare professionals throughout the world.

Rok Čivljak, FEAMC president