A Need for Greater Accountability and Transparency

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If the Church is to be a light to all nations, she must first work to be without reproach in her dealings, both spiritual and worldly.
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Pope Francis has once again emphasized the need for financial management and transparency within the Church: “the church must be exemplary and irreproachable, especially on the part of those who hold important roles of responsibility.”

Speaking on March 12th to judges, prosecutors, investigators and other members of the Vatican’s tribunal, during the formal opening of the court’s judicial year, the Pope highlighted that the Church needs to be up to date with international standards of transparency to be able to reflect “an increasingly evangelical style.”

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis has understood the importance of greater accountability and transparency within the Church. This spirit of reform led the Vatican to behest the founding of the Program of Church Management in Rome.

If the Church is to be a light and an example to all nations, she must first work to be without reproach in her dealings, both spiritual and worldly. While we are all humans with failings, teaching Church leaders accountability, leadership and managerial skills that are up to international standards while at the same time rooted in Catholic social teaching and Canon Law is a first step towards being able to accomplish this.

Pia de Solenni, SThD

Pia de Solenni, SThD

Dr. de Solenni is President & Executive Director of the Global Institute of Church Management. She is a theologian, ethicist, and cultural analyst. She recently served as Chancellor of the Diocese of Orange, California, and Theological Advisor to the Bishop. Her work has appeared in various publications including The Wall Street Journal Europe, The Washington Post, National Catholic Reporter, Our Sunday Visitor, and National Review Online. She is also a consultant member of the Pontifical Academy of St. Thomas Aquinas.

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