The apostolic constitution, Praedicate evangelium (“Preach the Gospel”) is the long-awaited document implementing Pope Francis’ reform of the organization and structure of the Roman Curia. An innovative aspect of the constitution is the role of the laity within the Roman Curia. It states that any member of the faithful may preside over a dicastery or body, “given their particular competence, power of governance and function.” Praedicate evangelium puts into motion many different aspects of the whole pontificate of Francis, including his desire for more diversity
in the college of cardinals, decentralization of papal power, the reform of the economic and financial institutions of the Vatican, and the necessary structure to manage the global clergy abuse crisis in the Catholic Church.