The Vatican’s first ever auditor general, Italian financier Libero Milone, has resigned. He has not given any reasons for his unexpected departure from the post, which he has held for just two years. His role was to help ensure transparency in the Vatican’s finances. In a statement, the Vatican said: “It is noted that Doctor Read more
It is hard to believe but Pope Francis is coming up on the fourth anniversary of his election as pope on March 13. In four years, the pope has had a profound impact on the church. True, he has not changed the church’s position on birth control, celibacy, women priests and gay marriage, but he Read more
Bishop Kevin Farrell will lead the Vatican’s newly created mega-department on the family, laity, and life issues. The new office is part of Francis’ attempt to reform the Roman Curia, meaning the government of the Catholic Church. Born in Ireland in 1947, Farrell has served as bishop of Dallas since 2007. Starting Sept. 1, he’ll Read more
One of Pope Francis’s top advisers says a new relationship between lay people and clergy is needed in the Church’s institutions and organisations. German Cardinal Reinhard Marx, a member of the Pope’s council of cardinals, spoke at a conference in Dublin, Ireland. The cardinal later told CNS, “When you see the institutions and the organisation Read more
A member of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors has detailed two instances where she believes the Roman Curia has frustrated reform. Marie Collins, an abuse survivor, referred to commission’s proposal that a Vatican tribunal be set up hold bishops to account for their handling of abuse cases. This was approved by the Read more
Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini played a decisive role in the 2005 conclave that elected Benedict XVI in order to prevent the election of a “curial candidate”. This is among the recollections of Jesuit Fr Silvio Fausti who was the late Cardinal Martini’s confessor and spiritual guide. Fr Fausti died on June 24, but his views Read more
The prefect of the papal household has said he believes reform of the Vatican bureaucracy is not necessary. Archbishop Georg Ganswein told a German website that to speak of “curial reform” is “somewhat of an exaggeration”. “I personally can see no significant reason which would necessitate a reform of the Curia at the moment,” he Read more
As Pope Francis approaches the second anniversary of his election as pope, progress on reforming the Vatican Curia is moving too slowly. It should be moving faster. The College of Cardinals met in consistory on Feb. 12-13 to review the progress made so far and to discuss future reforms. The cardinals heard from the nine-member Read more
Calls were made by some cardinals at the Vatican last week for qualified professionals from all over the world to work in the Roman Curia. Some of those who spoke at a consistory said there is a need for an enhanced role for laity, particularly women. Dozens of cardinals spoke about the work of the Read more