by Thomas Reese, S.J., NCR Pope Francis is known for preaching the compassion and mercy of God, but he can be pretty tough on priests and bishops. Like Jesus with the religious leaders of his time (scribes and Pharisees), Pope Francis does not pull his punches. Francis has now given major speeches to bishops in Brazil, … Continue reading REFLECTION: Francis’s challenge to bishops
REFLECTION: Church reform requires decentralization, synodality
by Thomas Reese, S.J., NCR On the agenda of the most recent meeting of the Council of Cardinals was what might be the most important issue in the reform of the Roman Curia -- the decentralization of decision-making in the church. The council is made up of nine cardinals, six from outside of Rome, who are … Continue reading REFLECTION: Church reform requires decentralization, synodality