Roman Curia Archives

In latest meetings, cardinal advisors continue forward with reform

Catholic News Agency, Vatican
June 15, 2017

The Council of Cardinals discussed ways the Curia can better serve the local churches during their 20th round of meetings in Rome this week. The cardinals proposed “a spirit of healthy decentralization” by transferring some faculties from Vatican dicasteries to local bishops or episcopal conferences.

Pope’s preacher today once again fills a singular slot

Analysis, Vatican
April 14, 2017

Good Friday is one of those rare occasions when a pope listens to a sermon in St. Peter’s Basilica rather than delivering one. The jarring image often leads to three questions: What’s the ‘Preacher of the Papal Household,’ who’s the Capuchin cleric who holds the position, and, if not’s the pope speaking, does it really matter?

Problem with anti-abuse panel isn’t survivors, it’s the Roman Curia

Commentary
March 5, 2017

Crux editor John Allen’s recent argument that my resignation from the pope’s anti-abuse commission will “free me up” and allow me to feel less “conflicted” is not only inaccurate, but patronizing. The problem with the commission isn’t having survivors as members, but opposition from clerical men in the Roman Curia.

Holidays caught Pope Francis in a ‘damn the torpedoes!’ mood

Analysis
January 11, 2017

Faced with opposition, leaders can try to find common ground with their foes, “reaching across the aisle,” or they can forge ahead, determined not to be slowed down. The holidays this year seemed to confirm that Pope Francis has chosen door number two.

Pope Francis could face key choices on bishops in 2017

Analysis
January 4, 2017

Perhaps no single thing any pope ever does is more consequential than the kinds of bishops and Vatican officials he chooses to appoint, and here’s a rundown of some of the personnel choices Francis may face in 2017.

A peculiar Catholic education led this Jew to love Rome

Commentary
January 1, 2017

Crux’s associate editor and business manager Shannon Levitt, who’s Jewish, reflects on the peculiar Catholic education she’s received by being married to editor John Allen, and in particular what it’s taught her about the magic of Rome.