Fourth edition
Participants and staff of the Workshop Transparency and Accountability in the Catholic Church, July 2026
The Church is entrusted with spiritual, human, and material resources in service of her mission. Responsible stewardship calls for integrity in decision-making, clarity in the use of resources, meaningful participation, and a willingness to learn from experience.
Transparency builds trust;
Accountability strengthens responsibility;
Evaluation helps Church organizations improve how they serve the faithful and the wider community.
Inspired by the Church’s mission and the call to synodality, our program approaches these practices as essential dimensions of good ecclesial governance and leadership.
Introduction to the Workshop
Rome Workshop 2026
Rome Workshop 2025
Rome Workshop 2024
Since 2024, our international initiative has brought together bishops, religious superiors, clergy, and lay professionals to advance responsible Church leadership. Through practical formation, dialogue, and international collaboration, we help Church institutions develop more transparent, accountable, and effective ways of serving their communities.
Five workshops in Europe, Asia, and Africa have generated 433 event participations, including 167 bishops, and reached Church leaders from 33 countries.
Our ambition extends beyond the workshop: we seek to support changes in the everyday practices of dioceses, religious congregations, and Church institutions.
Participants and staff of the Workshop Transparency and Accountability in the Catholic Church, June 2024
Participants and staff of the Workshop Transparency and Accountability in the Catholic Church, July 2025
"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.
Professor of Business Ehics; Co-Director, Murphy Institute at University of St. Thomas in Minnesota (USA);
Director, MCE center at Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, Rome
Faculty at MCE PUSC;
Interim Provost and Chair of the Department of Ecclesial Management, Catholic International University (USA)
Director of the Center for Catholic Studies, University of St. Thomas (Minnesota, USA)
Director of Catholic Mission and Professor of finance, public policy, and ethics
St Mary's University, Twickenham, London
CFO, St Mary's University, Twickenham, London
Head of Research and Development at the Institute of Anthropology
Pontifical Gregorian University
Independent civil and canonical counsel at www.canonicaladvocacy.com
Benjamín Estévez De Cominges, Secretary General, Secretariat for the Economy (SfE)
Giovanni Boscia, Deputy Director General, CFO, and CIO, Institute for the Works of Religion (IOR)
Fabio Gasperini, Secretary of Administration of the Patrimony of the Holy See (APSA)
Federico Antellini Russo, Director, Supervisory and Financial Information Authority (ASIF)
Alessandro Cassinis-Righini, Auditor General, Holy See
The Workshop is organized by:
In collaboration with:
The workshop is designed for 30 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, superior generals, provincial generals, and finance directors within dioceses, congregations, religious orders, and associated organizations.
To register click here
The workshop has a participation fee of €1000. We are offering up to 15 full scholarships for bishops and provincial superiors from low-income countries. These scholarships cover the tuition fee, airfare costs up to $500, and accommodation expenses at the Pontifical Irish College in Rome for the period July 19-25, 2027. Arrivals at the Pontifical Irish College should be planned not earlier than 5 PM on July 19, 2027.
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. Arrivals at the Pontifical Irish College should be planned not earlier than 5 PM on July 19, 2027.
We highly recommend taking advantage of this offer to make your experience during the workshop both enriching and memorable.
To better understand the aims and benefits of the workshop, we will hold an online Information Session in January 2027 (date TBD) via Zoom.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1) Is it possible to attend the workshop without staying at the Pontifical Irish College?
Yes, but we strongly encourage participants to choose the residential option, both for logistical reasons (as it is the main venue of the event) and to foster networking and fully benefit from the workshop experience.
2) Is it possible to stay longger at the Irish College?
Arrivals at the Pontifical Irish College should be planned not earlier than 5 PM on July 19, 2027. Stay after the workshop may be confirmed case by case.
3) Is it possible to follow the workshop online?
No, the workshop is intended as an in-person experience.
4) What is the tuition fee?
The tuition fee for the workshop is €1,000 and it is necessary to complete your registration.
5) What is the residential fee?
The residential fee includes room and meals expenses for accommodation at the Pontifical Irish College, the main venue of the workshop. Last year, participants paid approximately €50–60 per night per person, depending on whether the room had air conditioning. The cost of lunch is €20, and dinner is €10. Payment for these costs can be made directly to the Pontifical Irish College Staff upon arrival. This is a very convenient price, considering the location, right in the centre of Rome.
6) When should all fees be paid?
The tuition fee (€1,000) is required to confirm participation (details will be sent to you once the registration form has been submitted). The residential fee (room and meals) can be paid directly on-site to the Pontifical Irish College staff upon arrival.
7) Who is eligible for scholarships?
Full scholarships (tuition fee waiver, airfare up to 500 US dollars, and accommodation) are reserved for Bishops and Religious Superiors from low-income countries. Partial scholarships (tuition fee waivers only) may be granted to diocesan and religious finance administrators from low-income countries.
7) Will we receive a certificate at the end of the workshop?
Participants will receive an attendance certificate, but not an academic degree.
Email: mce.events@pusc.it