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.

"In demystifying an institution often seen as impenetrable, Ekpo provides a remarkable resource for all who seek to understand the history and theology of the Roman Curia in the light of its most recent reform. The text is erudite, eminently readable, and occasionally moving, as its author writes compellingly about the missionary impulse that animates the Curia and the officials who work in its service."—Kathleen Sprows Cummings, professor of history, University of Notre Dame

"In this remarkable and groundbreaking work, Monsignor Ekpo offers an insightful and concise presentation of a complex reality called the Roman Curia. He masterfully weaves together the history, theology, and present juridical ordering of the Roman Curia with brilliant and simple words. This is not a mean effort! His is indeed a research work that many in the anglophone world have been looking forward to reading. I willingly recommend this book to everyone, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Monsignor Ekpo for this great academic work."—Fortunatus Nwachukwu, secretary, Dicastery for Evangelization, Rome

"The publication of Monsignor Anthony Ekpos book on the Roman Curia is to be welcomed, particularly at this point in time of the life of the Church. It is intended for those who do not know much about its nature and operation, but it is also useful for those who have been wrestling with its theory and practice for much longer. It further recommends itself as Ekpo might be described as a poacher turned gamekeeper, coming as he does from a distinguished pastoral experience to that of the Curia and the study of canon law. This well-written volume comes in accessible language and draws on all the relevant scholarship. It seeks to explain in depth the on-going reforms initiated by Pope Francis and will remain for the future a reference source for both researchers and students alike. In sharing with us his knowledge and insights, Monsignor Ekpo typifies that spirit of service that the Holy Father wishes to animate the Churchs institutions."—Paul Gallagher, secretary, Section for Relations with States and International Organizations, Vatican Secretariat of State

"This book is an important contribution that will be welcomed by teachers, students, and researchers alike. Monsignor Ekpo provides an accessible and reliable resource on the structure and functions of the Roman Curia, particularly in light of Praedicate Evangelium. It will take its rightful place within the body of scholarship that exists on the Roman Curia and its history, advancing these developments and provoking further reflection on the nature, history, theology, and juridical structures of the Roman Curia, as the author intends. I enthusiastically endorse this publication and I express my appreciation to Monsignor Ekpo for so capably undertaking this project."—Chad Glendinning, dean, Faculty of Canon Law, Saint Paul University, Ottawa