John Paul Kimes

Fr. John Paul Kimes is an Associate Professor of the Practice at the Notre Dame Law School and the Raymond of Peñafort Fellow in Canon Law at the de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture. He previously served for 11 years as a canon lawyer at the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Ordained as a Maronite Catholic priest in 2000, he completed his initial theological studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University.

Education:

• Pontifical Gregorian University (first course of studies)

Research Interests: Fr. Kimes specializes in canon law, ethical studies, and religious legal frameworks. His work bridges theological ethics with contemporary legal challenges in religious institutions. He contributes to interdisciplinary dialogues on law, faith, and moral philosophy.

Awards:

• Raymond of Peñafort Fellow in Canon Law (de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture)

Affiliations & Roles: In addition to his faculty role, he is affiliated with the de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture, where he advances research at the intersection of law and moral theology. His prior Vatican service underscores his expertise in international religious legal systems.

Labs/Teams: Collaborates with the de Nicola Center, focusing on ethics in canon law and interdisciplinary legal studies.