Don’t expect radical changes in Roman Curia, says Vatican analyst

Rome, Italy, Jun 27, 2007 / 09:42 am

In an article to be published Thursday by “L’Espresso,” Vatican watcher Sandro Magister explains why, despite the predictions of many analysts, big changes in the Roman Curia are not a priority for Benedict XVI.

 

In an article entitled, “The Reform that Doesn’t Exist,” Magister points out that the “few appointments made in the curia by Pope Joseph Ratzinger, interpreted by almost everyone as the prelude to a general revolution, have remained what they are: few and isolated.”

 

According to Magister, Pope Benedict XVI has chosen a non-conflictive and patient path for bring about change in the Curia.  He points to five examples, such as the naming of the current Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, and the President of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Holy See, Archbishop Attilio Nicora.

 

Magister says the Pontiff has charged both with carrying out a slow, gradual reform of the Curia.  “In the third year of his reign, it is evident that the reform of the curia is not a priority in the agenda of Benedict XVI,” he notes, adding that the Pontiff’s priorities range from “the field of liturgy to the field of ethics.” 

 

Magister also speculates about the delays behind some long-awaited documents, such as the letter to Catholics in China, promised by Easter but still unreleased, and the Motu Propio granting the universal right to celebrate the Mass of St. Pius V.

 

The full article can be read at http://chiesa.espresso.repubblica.it/index.jsp?eng=y