Pope Francis has launched a scathing attack on the Vatican bureaucracy, accusing it of suffering from 'spiritual Alzheimer's' and 'the terrorism of gossip'. In his pre-Christmas address to cardinals, the pontiff listed 15 'ailments' he wants cured in the New Year.
The Pope, the first Latin American pontiff, criticised power-hungry clerics for 'cold-bloodedly killing the reputation of their own colleagues and brothers'. He compared the Curia's performance to an orchestra playing 'out of tune' due to a lack of collaboration and team spirit.
Francis, who never worked in the Curia before his election, is facing opposition from the nearly 3,000-strong Italian-dominated staff. He is pushing reforms with a new group of cardinal advisers from every continent, tasked with drawing up a new Vatican constitution.
The Pope has set up specialist bodies to fight corruption and poor management, and launched a clean-up of the Vatican Bank, which has been plagued by scandals. He has also suggested giving Catholic bishops worldwide a bigger say in Church doctrine to dilute the Curia's power.
