René Roux

René Roux, originally from the Aosta Valley, after completing philosophical and theological studies and being ordained a priest in 1991 in the Diocese of Aosta, specialized in Patristic theology and Eastern studies in Rome, Oxford, and Paris. From 2000 to 2003 he taught Patrology and Dogmatic Theology at the Saint Anselm Theological Institute in Aosta. After several teaching experiences in Rome, Africa, India, and Germany, since 2010 he has held the Chair of the History of the Early Church, Patrology, and Eastern Ecclesiastical Sciences at the Faculty of Theology of the University of Erfurt, where he also became Pro-Dean and Dean of Studies, as well as a member of both the Scientific Research Commission and the Teaching Commission of the same university.

In 2015 he left Germany following his appointment as Rector of the Faculty of Theology of Lugano. Two years later he was elected President of the AAPU (Association of Accredited Private Universities in Switzerland). Since 2018 he has been a member of the Commission théologique et œcuménique (CTO) of the Swiss Bishops’ Conference.

His research focuses on the history of patristic hermeneutics and biblical interpretation and their significance for the history of dogma; early Syriac theology and its relationship with the theology and culture of the Greek Church and other ancient traditions; theological models of thought in antiquity and their contemporary relevance; and the reception of the theology of the Church Fathers in contemporary theology, with particular attention to the theology of religions.

On June 21, 2025, Pope Leo XIV appointed Professor René Roux, Rector of the Faculty of Theology of Lugano (FTL), as Theological Consultor to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. Professor Roux will continue to hold his current academic positions in Lugano, carrying on his work both as a professor and as rector of the Faculty. On June 21, 2025, he was appointed Theological Consultor to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, while maintaining his academic roles at the Faculty of Theology of Lugano.