Rome, June 17 - 21, 2024

Workshop

Transparency and Accountability in the Catholic Church: A Practical Journey 

A five-day summit of talks, activities, and professional development

The disclosure of sexual abuse within the ranks of the Catholic Church has resulted in a period of intense scrutiny and crisis in recent years. The crisis has brought to light pervasive shortcomings in the institution's accountability and transparency. Secrecy, denial, and the protection of the offenders in the Church's handling of these cases have damaged Catholics' confidence across the globe.

Transparency, especially financial transparency, has become a key component of the Church's reform initiatives as it seeks to mend the spiritual scars that communities endure, win back trust, and restore its reputation. Some observers claim that a true revolution in transparency is currently taking place within the Catholic Church.

Despite significant strides towards transparency, there remains a critical need for the diffusion of best practices across different dioceses. Also, a more comprehensive approach is necessary. Transparency and accountability cannot take root solely through isolated measures; they require a fundamental shift in organizational culture. Since leaders set the example for true transparency, we are concentrating on giving them the tools they need to promote this shift.

The goal of this event is to promote sound financial transparency and accountability practices among Church leaders

The upcoming workshop, scheduled for 17-21 June 2024, is designed to empower leaders within the Catholic Church by providing them with actionable insights to implement transparency within their organizations or areas of influence. Specific strategies include:


Exploring Transparency from Every Angle

Our comprehensive approach will delve into the ethical, financial, accounting, cultural, and communicative aspects of transparency.

Championing a Culture of Transparency

One of the core aims of this workshop is to equip leaders with the tools and strategies necessary to foster a culture of transparency within their respective domains.

Providing a Practical 360-Degree Approach

This workshop isn't just theoretical; it's a hands-on, 360-degree journey towards implementing change. Participants will leave with a tailored action plan designed to catalyze tangible transformation within their organizations.

 

Join Us on this Practical Path! 

We invite Church leaders to embark on this practical and immersive journey towards fostering transparency within the Church. Together, we'll explore, strategize, and construct a blueprint for positive change, enriching our institutions and amplifying trust within our communities. 

"I think transparency is a step to successful leadership and accomplishment of the mission here in the Church. Transparency, whether you are communicating something very favorable, something unfavorable, something as a subject-matter expert, or demonstrating your vulnerability, your openness, your realness, transparency around all that, I believe is fundamental to building trust and authenticity". Chief Operations Officer at a Diocese in the USA. 


Schedule

Sunday, June 16

Arrival

Monday, June 17

Ethics of Transparency and Accountability
Financial Transparency

Tuesday, June 18

Financial Transparency 
Transparency in Accounting

Wednesday, June 19

Papal audience
Leadership in Fostering a Culture of  Transparency and Accountability

Thursday, June 20

Site visit of the Supervisory and Financial Information Authority
Transparency in the Vatican and the Holy See

Friday, June 21

Crisis Management
Planning for Change
Final Social Event 

Speakers

Rev. Prof. Msgr. Martin Schlag (Workshop Director)

University of St. Thomas and Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, Rome

Dr. Roberto Dandi (Academic Coordinator and Speaker on Planning for Change)

Luiss Business School, Rome

Rev. Prof. Jordi Pujol (Speaker on Ethics of Transparency)

Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, Rome

Prof. Giuseppe Schlitzer (Speaker on the Vatican Finance System)

Director, Supervisory and Financial Information Authority (ASIF), Vatican 

Mr. Maximino Caballero-Ledo (Speaker on Transparency of the Holy See)

 Secretary, Secretariat for the Economy, Vatican

Ms. Diana Rocco (Speaker on Money Laundering)

 Head, Financial Intelligence Unit, ASIF, Vatican

Prof. Philip Booth (Speaker on Financial Transparency)

St Mary's University, Twickenham, London

Prof. Richard Solomon (Speaker  on Transparency in Accounting)

St Mary's University, Twickenham, London

Prof. Rev. Fr. Peter Lah S.J. (Speaker on Leadership)

Dean of the School of Social Sciences, Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome

Prof. Fr. Alberto Alejo S.J. (Speaker on Leadership)

Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome

Dr. Michael Keppel (Speaker on Crisis Management)

Partner & Managing Director, AlixPartners, Frankfurt/London

 

Tuition fee and Scholarships (updated)

The workshop has a participation fee of €1000. We are offering up to ten full scholarships for bishops and provincial superiors from low-income countries. These scholarships cover the tuition fee, airfare costs up to $1000, and accommodation expenses at the Pontifical Irish College in Rome for the period June 16-22, 2024. Additionally, there is an opportunity for other participants to apply for a scholarship that covers only the tuition fee. 

Applications 

The workshop is designed for 20 leaders within the Catholic Church who are vested with responsibilities in guiding, managing, and influencing various facets of the Church's operations. Specifically, it is designed for bishops, vicar generals, and clergy, religious, and lay people in leadership positions within dioceses, congregations, religious orders, and associated organizations. 

Please send your CV and contact information to mce.events@pusc.it 

Venue and Accommodation

We are delighted to host the workshop at the Pontifical Irish College, situated in the heart of Rome. This esteemed venue is not only a beacon of historical and spiritual significance but also conveniently located just a few minutes' walk from the iconic Basilica di San Giovanni and the Colosseum, along with other renowned attractions.

After completing your workshop registration, we are pleased to offer you the opportunity to reserve a room at the Pontifical Irish College at a special discounted rate. Staying at the College will not only provide you with convenience and comfort but also the chance to explore the rich cultural and historical tapestry of Rome easily.

We highly recommend taking advantage of this offer to make your experience during the workshop both enriching and memorable.

Q&A session

We will hold a special Q&A webinar to introduce and discuss our upcoming workshop, "Transparency in the Catholic Church." This webinar will be held on Zoom on January 25th at 4 PM Italian time (CET time).

During this session, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the workshop's objectives, structure, and how it can benefit you as a church leader. Our team will be available to answer any questions you might have and to provide further insights into the event, scheduled for June 17-21, 2024.

Whether you are considering attending the workshop or simply interested in the topic, this webinar will be a valuable source of information.

Please save the date and join us for an informative and engaging session. 


Contacts

Email: mce.events@pusc.it

Organizers

The Workshop is organized by:

In collaboration with: