Pope Francis has called on cardinals to work to achieve the goal of “zero deficit” in the economy of the Catholic Church through cost reduction, the search for external resources, and evangelical generosity.
In a Sept. 16 letter released by the Vatican Press Office, Pope Francis recalled that 10 years ago the reform of the Roman Curia began in the spirit of the principle “Ecclesia semper reformanda” (“the Church always reforming”). During this time, he pointed out, “despite the difficulties and, sometimes, that temptation of immobility and inflexibility in the face of change, many results have been accomplished in these years.”
Focused on the economic reform of the Holy See – “one of the topics that has most chara-cterized the general congrega-tions prior to the conclave,” he pointed out – Pope Francis said “an extra effort is now required from everyone so that a ‘zero deficit’ is not just a theoretical goal but an actually achievable objective.”
This objective is based on the awareness that “the economic resources at the service of the mission are limited and must be managed with rigor and seriousness so that the efforts of those who have contributed to the patrimony of the Holy See are not wasted.”
Along with the objective of not going into debt, the pontiff pointed out “the need for each institution to strive to find external resources for its mission, setting an example of transparent and responsible management in the service of the Church.”
In addition, Pope Francis called for setting an example on the cost reduction front by trying to avoid “the superfluous” and selecting priorities well, “favouring mutual collaboration and synergies.”
“We must be aware that today we are faced with strategic decisions that we must take with great responsibility, because we are called upon to guarantee the future of the mission,” the Holy Father indicated.