Roman Curia

The Latest

Pope Francis takes part in the Roman Curia’s Lenten retreat in Ariccia, Italy, on March 6-10, 2016.

Pope Francis to hold private Lenten retreat for fifth consecutive year

Jan 16, 2024

By Matthew Santucci

For the fifth consecutive year the joint retreat between the Holy Father and the Roman Curia has been canceled. Read more

Pope Francis gives his annual Christmas address to the cardinals who work in Vatican offices on Dec. 21, 2023, in the gilded Hall of Benediction at the Vatican.

Pope Francis to Roman Curia: ‘Rigid ideological positions’ prevent us from moving forward

Dec 21, 2023

By Courtney Mares

“Let us remain vigilant against rigid ideological positions that often ... separate us from reality and prevent us from moving... Read more

Pope Francis on retreat at the Casa Divin Maestro retreat center in Ariccia, Italy, in March 2017.

Pope Francis to do private Lenten retreat in 2023

Jan 20, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis’ appointments will be canceled during the spiritual exercises Feb. 26–March 3. Read more

Pope Francis at his general audience in Paul VI Hall on Dec. 7, 2022.

Like a row of dominoes: an analysis of the latest Vatican appointments

Dec 8, 2022

By Andrea Gagliarducci

The latest appointment at the Vatican kicks off several changes for the Church, both in Rome and around the world. Read more

Pope Francis speaking at the general audience on St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Nov. 30, 2022

Pope Francis decrees better control of Vatican funds and foundations

Dec 6, 2022

By AC Wimmer

Pope Francis issued a decree on Tuesday aimed at improving the financial accountability of funds, foundations, and other legal entities... Read more

A consistory for the creation of new cardinals in St. Peter’s Basilica on Oct. 5, 2019.

Pope Francis calls first extraordinary consistory since 2015 — so what will the cardinals talk about?

Aug 24, 2022

By Andrea Gagliarducci

Since 2015, Pope Francis has not called an extraordinary consistory like the one to be held on August 29-30.  Read more

Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Basilica on the Solemnity of Pentecost, June 5, 2022.

We have a new Vatican constitution, but where are the new curial appointments?

Jun 16, 2022

By Andrea Gagliarducci

The new Vatican constitution Praedicate evangelium went into force on June 5. Read more

Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

How does the new Vatican constitution affect the Secretariat of State?

May 19, 2022

By Andrea Gagliarducci

Cardinal Parolin outlined the changes at a ‘Praedicate evangelium study day’ in Rome. Read more

St. Peter’s Basilica, pictured on March 19, 2013.

Bishop: New Vatican constitution gives value to Catholic bishops’ conferences

May 10, 2022

By Hannah Brockhaus

Bishop Marco Mellino was addressing the heads of Vatican dicasteries. Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square on June 4, 2014.

Pope Francis has begun a wave of new appointments at the Vatican

Apr 26, 2022

By Andrea Gagliarducci

The new Vatican constitution will come into force in June. Read more

The dome of St. Peter's Basilica.

Pope Francis names secretaries of doctrinal and disciplinary sections of CDF

Apr 23, 2022

By Courtney Mares

Under Pope Francis’ reform of the Roman Curia, the internal structure of the CDF has been reorganized into two sections. Read more

Cardinal Michael Czerny has been appointed as the new prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.

Pope Francis names Cardinal Czerny head of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development

Apr 23, 2022

By Courtney Mares

The pope also named a new secretary and undersecretary for the social development dicastery. Read more

Cardinal Javier Lozano Barragán

Mexican Cardinal Javier Lozano Barragán has died at the age of 89

Apr 20, 2022

By Courtney Mares

The Mexican cardinal is remembered as a strong voice of opposition to abortion and euthanasia. Read more

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, pictured on July 2, 2015.

Cardinal Parolin says that curial reform might not be over

Apr 8, 2022

By Andrea Gagliarducci

In Part 2 of an exclusive interview, the Vatican Secretary of State discusses the future of his powerful dicastery in... Read more

St. Peter’s Basilica.

Are there any big changes in the authoritative version of the new Vatican constitution?

Apr 4, 2022

By Andrea Gagliarducci

The Vatican published the editio typica of its constitution on March 31. Read more

A Vatican press conference presenting the new constitution Praedicate evangelium.

TLM typo: Vatican says ‘extraordinary form’ mention in new constitution was a mistake

Mar 21, 2022

By Courtney Mares

The new Vatican constitution was unexpectedly released on March 19. Read more

Pope Francis with members of the Roman Curia, Dec. 23, 2021.

Praedicate evangelium: Things you might have missed in the new Vatican constitution

Mar 21, 2022

By Andrea Gagliarducci

The new constitution marks a significant change in the philosophy underlying the Roman Curia. Read more

Pope Francis led the Angelus for All Saints' Day from a window above St. Peter's Square.

Praedicate evangelium: Pope Francis reforms Roman Curia with launch of Vatican constitution

Mar 19, 2022

By CNA Staff

The long-awaited text replaces the 1988 document ‘Pastor bonus.’ Read more

Cardinal Eduardo Francisco Pironio (1920-1998).

Pope Francis advances sainthood cause of Argentine cardinal who organized 1st World Youth Days

Feb 18, 2022

By Courtney Mares

Cardinal Pironio was a member of the Roman Curia for two decades. Read more

Pope Francis takes part in the Roman Curia’s Lenten retreat in Ariccia, Italy, on March 6-10, 2016. Credit: Vatican Media.

Roman Curia’s annual Lenten retreat changed again due to COVID-19

Jan 20, 2022

By Courtney Mares

Curial officials will make their own arrangements for a private Lenten retreat. Read more