Vatican Introduces Major Curia Reforms Allowing Documents in Modern Languages
The Vatican has approved new organizational regulations that introduce one of the most significant administrative changes in recent decades by allowing official documents from Curia departments to be drafted in Latin or in modern languages commonly used within the Holy See. The decision aligns internal processes with the broader reforms outlined in the apostolic constitution Praedicate Evangelium and reflects an effort to improve accessibility and efficiency for those working in administrative and pastoral roles. The new text, which will take effect on January first and remain in provisional use for five years, seeks to reinforce a more missionary approach throughout Vatican offices by clarifying expectations for staff and expanding the languages available for formal document drafting. This shift acknowledges the diverse linguistic environment of the Curia, where Italian, English and Spanish are widely spoken, and signals a practical move toward reducing barriers that may arise when documents must be translated internally before implementation.
Beyond linguistic reforms, the regulations introduce clearer ethical and operational guidelines designed to strengthen transparency and professional standards within Curia structures. The document establishes explicit prohibitions on nepotism by preventing the hiring of close family members within the same office and requires candidates for positions to demonstrate strong character, prudence and expertise. Lay employees will now undergo an initial probationary period that cannot be extended beyond two years, ensuring that staffing decisions are made with timely clarity. Additional measures reinforce financial accountability by requiring curial officials to submit periodic declarations confirming they do not hold assets in tax havens or invest in companies whose activities conflict with Catholic social teaching, such as arms manufacturing or abortion-related industries. Any omission or falsification in these declarations will be considered a serious violation, highlighting the Vatican’s ongoing commitment to responsible stewardship.
The regulations also define work structures and personnel norms to promote consistency across the various dicasteries and offices. A minimum work week of thirty six hours has been established, and maternity leave will now include three months before and three months after childbirth. Annual leave for employees is set at one hundred fifty eight hours, and strict confidentiality rules remain in place to safeguard sensitive material. The new framework also introduces unified retirement ages for different categories of staff: heads of dicasteries must retire at seventy five, lay employees at seventy, and undersecretaries who are clerics or religious at seventy two, with all positions concluding automatically at age eighty. Taken together, the changes represent a comprehensive effort to modernize internal governance while preserving the Vatican’s distinct ecclesial character, emphasizing professionalism, clarity and accountability in service to the mission entrusted to the Curia.
