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 church institutions. As pointed out in the recent final document of the Synod on Synodality "For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission", strengthening transparency, accountability, and evaluation is essential not only to enhance trust and credibility but also to keep the Church faithful to its mission. 

• Transparency means clarity, honesty, and integrity in decision-making and resource management, without ambiguity or cover-ups.

• Accountability requires those in leadership to take responsibility for their actions and decisions, reporting to the community.

• Evaluation is the process of assessing and continuously improving ministry and mission effectiveness to better serve the Church and society.

After a well-received first edition in June 2024, the "Workshop on Transparency and Accountability in the Catholic Church: A Practical Journey" returns for its second iteration. The previous workshop gathered 31 Church leaders, including a Cardinal, four Archbishops, ten Bishops, and several diocesan and religious administrators, to discuss and share approaches to fostering transparency and accountability.

Building on the insights and feedback from the first workshop, this next edition aims to further support Church leaders in addressing these important themes.

The upcoming workshop, scheduled for 15-19 July 2025, 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, Accountability, and Evaluation from Every Angle

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

Championing a Culture of Transparency, Accountability, and Evaluation

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 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. 

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 14-20, 2025. Additionally, there is an opportunity for other participants to apply for a scholarship that covers only the tuition fee. 

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. 

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

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.

On February 11, 2025 at 3 PM CET, we will hold a Q&A session on Zoom to introduce and discuss our upcoming workshop, "Transparency and Accountability in the Catholic Church." 

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.

Whether you are considering attending the workshop or simply interested in the topic, this session will be a valuable source of information. Please register to the information session here. 

Email: mce.events@pusc.it

The Workshop is organized by:

In collaboration with: