Irish theologian and academic Fr Eugene Duffy has called for wide-ranging reform in the Catholic Church, with a strong focus on leadership and the way bishops are appointed.
Delivering a lecture titled ‘The Need for Ecclesial Reform’ recently in Trinity College, he said the Synodal Assembly had made clear that the People of God want “a greater voice in choosing bishops.” While Pope Francis had made some changes, including the appointment of women to the Dicastery for Bishops, Fr Duffy noted that “the process remains very centralised and still relies overwhelmingly on the recommendations of other bishops.”
He contrasted this with earlier practice, when diocesan clergy had a far greater say. Fifty years ago, 17 of Ireland’s 26 dioceses were led by local priests; today, only one is. “Any suggestion that a diocese is better governed by someone from outside its own presbyterate has yet to be proven,” he said.
Fr Duffy argued that a more open and transparent process would strengthen the relationship between bishops and their dioceses, honour the sensus fidelium, and reflect Pope Francis’s call for “sound decentralisation.” Quoting Pope Leo the Great, he said: “The one who is to be head over all should be elected by all.”
More broadly, he said reform is an ongoing task for the Church, rooted in its baptismal identity and pilgrim nature. “There is nothing higher than this baptismal dignity,” he said, noting that this emphasis challenges clericalism and highlights the shared responsibility of clergy and laity.
Other areas of reform he identified included seminary training, mentoring for bishops, and greater accountability in governance. Concluding, he said the Synod’s Final Document provides “a significant agenda for the Church,” but warned that “its success will depend on continuing conversion at every level of leadership.”
