Capable and Values-Oriented Administrators

When Pope Francis received a group of investment bankers in audience in October 2020, he reminded them that fair conduct and transparency are essential in the financial sector. This is true for civil society, but even more so for the Church, which needs well-trained leaders and managers who are qualified as competent and value-oriented administrators. Good intentions are not enough; it is necessary to know how to manage financial resources in a way that is accountable, service-oriented, transparent and socially responsible. This will enhance the ability of Church organisations to serve the world while remaining faithful to their own identity.

This is the spirit that inspires the Licentiate Programme in Leadership and Management offered by the Gregoriana’ Faculty of Social Sciences. Our aim is to help managers and leaders in the Church to create organisations in which mission and management interact in a way that is mutually enriching. The target students of this licentiate are priests, men and women religious, lay people who hold or will soon hold positions of ecclesial responsibility. The course, taught in English, lasts two years (4 semesters) with a total of 120 credits (ECTS). The programme covers the main areas of business: organisation, finance, management and core areas such as business ethics, fundraising, marketing and social entrepreneurship. At the same time, it aims to transmit the spirit of the Church to the students with specific courses on social doctrine, canon law and asset management, management spirituality, discernment and pastoral planning.

Each course includes lectures, case studies and group discussions, with pedagogical methods adapted to the different disciplines. A monthly integrated seminar provides for the presence of invited guest speakers with experience inside and outside the Church who will share their reflections on social and ecclesial challenges in the area of leadership and management.

The international dimension is a typical trait not only of the students - 42 candidates in the first Licentiate course come from 25 countries across four continents - but also of the faculty (France, USA, Singapore, Spain, Korea), ensuring a plurality of perspectives and cultural experiences.

A ceremony was held on June 15th to award the Licentiate Parchment Certificates to the first students who have completed the two-year course and are now ready to embark on a new journey in their respective organisations. I am happy to be part of this journey as professor, companion and friend! 

• For further information, see the Licentiate webpage