The Apostolic See and the Structure and Functioning of the Roman Curia

Abstract

The Roman Curia, its functioning, the reforms it underwent in the past and is undergoing now are topics of serious discussion and deliberation today. Pope Francis constituted a committee to reform the Roman Curia which is functioning according to the articles of Pastor Bonus. PB describes the Roman Curia as the complex of dicasteries and institutes which help the Roman Pontiff in the exercise of his supreme pastoral office for the good and service of the whole Church and of the particular Churches. In this article the author highlights how this organizm strengthens the unity of the faith and the communion of the people of God and promotes the mission proper to the Church in the World (PB 1). The author concentrates also on the historical development, structure, and competence of the various congregations and tribunals of the Curia.