The Roman Curia: History, Theology, and Organization

A historical, theological and juridical explanation of the nature of the Roman Curia

The Roman Curia is the central body for the administration of the Roman Catholic Church. Its structure and organization is governed by Praedicate Evangelium, a new law issued by Pope Francis in 2022. The nature of the Curia is both confusing to many and vitally important for the administration of the Church and the Vatican.

The Roman Curia provides a historical, theological, and juridical explanation of the nature of the Roman Curia, highlighting its relationship to the Pope. Ekpo provides a brief and highly intelligible overview of the development of the Roman Curia and its present configuration in the light of Pope Francis’ reorganization. He shows the differences between the Holy See, Vatican City State and the Curia, defining each entity’s role.

This overview of the Roman Curia and allied ecclesiastical institutions, like the Vatican and the Holy See, is the first comprehensive treatment in English on the reforms enacted by Praedicate Evangelium. Teachers, students, and researchers alike will find this an invaluable on the nature, history, theology, and juridical structures of the Roman Curia.

Monsignor Anthony Ekpo is Under-Secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development in the Roman Curia. He is also visiting professor of Canon Law at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, and adjunct professor of the Australian Catholic University. He is the author of The Breath of the Spirit and Temporal Goods of the Church.