The Partner Newspaper

Building on the success of its inaugural event, the workshop “Transparency, Accountability, and Evaluation in the Catholic Church: A Practical Journey” has returned to Rome for its second edition, running from July 15 to July 19, 2025. This vital gathering aims to equip Catholic bishops and financial administrators with concrete strategies to enhance transparency across all facets of Church operations.

The workshop, co-organized by the University of St. Thomas and the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, underscores the Catholic Church’s evolving commitment to greater openness and accountability. This year’s program expands on the insights gained from the first edition, held last June, which brought together 34 prominent Church leaders, including a Cardinal, four Archbishops, and ten Bishops. This year’s edition has a similar demographical convergence including 1 Archbishop, 6 Bishops and 1 priest from Nigeria. Notably, Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina of Ijebu-Ode Diocese and Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido of Warri Diocese were there.

The intensive five-day program delves into a comprehensive array of topics, offering a 360-degree approach to transparency. Participants are exploring ethical, financial, accounting, cultural, and communicative aspects of transparency, moving beyond theoretical discussions to develop practical, actionable insights. A core objective is to empower leaders with the tools and strategies necessary to cultivate and sustain a culture of transparency within their respective organizations. Participants are expected to leave with tailored action plans for implementing meaningful change.

“Transparency is a step to successful leadership and accomplishment of the mission here in the Church,” commented a Chief Operations Officer at a U.S. Diocese, who participated in the first workshop. “Whether you’re communicating something very favorable or unfavorable, being open and authentic is key. Transparency around all that is fundamental to building trust and authenticity.”

A distinguished roster of speakers is leading the discussions, including:

• 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
• Prof. Giuseppe Schlitzer (Speaker on the Vatican Finance System), Director, Supervisory and Financial Information Authority (ASIF), Vatican
• Prof. Richard Solomon (Speaker on Transparency in Accounting), St Mary’s University, Twickenham, London
• Prof. Philip Booth (Speaker on Financial Transparency), St Mary’s University, Twickenham, London
• Prof. Rev. Fr. Peter Lah S.J. (Speaker on Ethics of Transparency), Dean of the School of Social Sciences, Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome
• Prof. Rev. Fr. Hans Zollner SJ (Speaker on Crisis Management), Founder and Director of the Institute of Anthropology, Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome
• Rev. Prof. Msgr. Peter Beer (Speaker on Leadership), Head of Research and Development at the Institute of Anthropology, Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome

The continued focus on practical strategies and a culture of transparency highlights a proactive effort within the Catholic Church to reinforce trust and accountability, vital elements for its mission in the modern world.