Joshua J. McElwee

Joshua J. McElwee is NCR's news editor. He is a journalist who has been widely recognized for his in-depth reporting and penetrating analysis on the leadership of the global Catholic Church.

Previously NCR's Vatican correspondent from 2014-21, McElwee's dispatches from Rome and during papal trips abroad were frequently cited by his peers, and broadly seen as a touchstone for nuanced Vatican and papal coverage. 

Among McElwee's most noted work has been his years-long, tenacious coverage of Pope Francis' clergy abuse commission, which through a series of exclusive interviews with ex-members of the group revealed serious shortcomings to its work.

McElwee was also the first journalist to break the news of Pope Francis' promise during a meeting with an international group of sisters and nuns in 2016 to create a commission to study the history of the ordination of women as deacons in the Catholic Church.

McElwee's reporting on the scene from the closed-door encounter, which sparked a global media frenzy, is sometimes credited with ensuring that Francis went forward with the creation of the Vatican's eventual Study Commission on the Women's Diaconate.

McElwee is the co-editor, alongside Cindy Wooden, of A Pope Francis Lexicon, a collection of 54 essays exploring the unique words Pope Francis has used in his ministry. 

A graduate of The Catholic University of America, McElwee has reported for NCR from 39 countries and traveled in the press pool abroad with Pope Francis 24 times. He often appears as an expert on television and radio programs such as National Public Radio's Morning Edition, BBC's World Service, and PRI's The World.

 

By this Author

Xavière Missionary Sister Nathalie Becquart, undersecretary of the synod, responds to a question during a news conference at the Vatican Sept. 8, 2023. (CNS/Justin McLellan)

Inside the Vatican's synod office: 'New style of leadership' for Catholic Church

In this episode of "The Vatican Briefing," Xavière Sr. Nathalie Becquart brings listeners inside the Vatican's synod office to discuss how the synodal process is creating "a new style of leadership" for the Catholic Church.

Pope Francis smiles at Cardinal Mario Grech, secretary-general of the Synod of Bishops, as the first assembly of the synod on synodality concludes Oct. 28 in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican. (CNS/Vatican Media)

Pope's major Vatican summit ends without action on women deacons, mention of LGBTQ Catholics

The Vatican summit on the future of the church concluded on Oct. 28 by postponing action on ordaining women as deacons and failing to acknowledge deep tensions over how to care for LGBTQ Catholics.

 

Pope Francis poses for a photo with participants in the assembly of the Synod of Bishops before a working session in the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican Oct 23. (CNS/Vatican Media)

Synod letter to Catholics highlights role of women, listening to abuse victims

The Oct. 25 "Letter to the People of God" from the ongoing Synod of Bishops highlights the significance of women participating in the event as full members, and the duty of the church to listen to clergy abuse victims.

Loretto Sr. Jeannine Gramick speaking on "The Vatican Briefing" podcast about meeting with Pope Francis on Oct. 17 (NCR photo/Joshua J. McElwee)

Exclusive: Jeannine Gramick, LGBTQ advocate, reveals details of meeting with Pope Francis

Listen: In a special episode of "The Vatican Briefing," Joshua McElwee and Christopher White have an exclusive conversation with Loretto Sr. Jeannine Gramick about her Oct. 17 meeting with Pope Francis. Gramick says the pope "is trying to get us to move forward."

At the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta Oct. 17, from left: Matthew Myers, New Ways Ministry's staff associate; Francis DeBernardo, New Ways Ministry's executive director; Pope Francis; Loretto Sr. Jeannine Gramick, New Ways Ministry's co-founder; and Robert Shine, New Ways Ministry's associate director (Courtesy of New Ways Ministry)

Pope Francis meets Jeannine Gramick, US sister known for LGBTQ ministry

Pope Francis on Oct. 17 held a meeting with Loretto Sr. Jeannine Gramick, a longtime advocate for LGBTQ Catholics who had previously been reprimanded by the Vatican and U.S. bishops. 

Cardinals and bishops process to the altar to concelebrate with Pope Francis the opening Mass of the assembly of the Synod of Bishops in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Oct. 4, 2023. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)

Opening momentous Vatican summit, Pope Francis begs church to 'not impose burdens'

Officially opening the monthlong Synod of Bishops on Oct. 4, Pope Francis encouraged the participants, bishops and laypeople alike, to reject the temptations of doctrinal rigidity and to embrace a vision of the church that is open and welcoming to all.

Catherine Clifford, a professor at St. Paul University in Ottawa, Ontario, and a voting member of the Synod of Bishops on synodality (Courtesy of St. Paul University)

Lay voting member says synod is opportunity to consider women deacons

As part of NCR's new podcast, The Vatican Briefing, one of the voting members of the Synod of Bishops has indicated an openness to restoring the early Catholic Church's tradition of ordaining women as deacons.

Pope Francis delivers his homily during an ecumenical prayer vigil in St. Peter's Square Sept. 30, ahead of the assembly of the Synod of Bishops. (CNS/Lola Gomez)

Pope signals openness to blessings for gay couples, study of women's ordination

Pope Francis has expressed openness to Catholic blessings for same-sex couples, under the condition they are not confused with marriage ceremonies for men and women, in what could be a watershed moment for the church.

Women religious and other guests at Network's 50th anniversary gala take to the dance floor after the conclusion of the gala program April 22 in Washington, D.C. (Courtesy of Network/Shedrick Pelt)

At Capitol Hill gala, Network celebrates 50 years of lobbying for social justice

The Catholic social justice lobby Network capped its 50th anniversary dinner with the presentation of the inaugural Distinguished Justice-Seeker Award, which was given to the National Black Sisters' Conference.

Xavierian Sr. Nathalie Becquart was named by Pope Francis as one of two synod undersecretaries on Feb. 6. She spoke to members of the media in a videoconference Feb. 10. (GSR screenshot)

New Vatican synod undersecretary hopes for more women as Catholic decision-makers

The first woman selected to serve as an undersecretary for the Vatican's office for the Synod of Bishops, Xavierian Sr. Nathalie Becquart, said Feb. 10 that she hopes her appointment will help "open up new possibilities" for women in the Catholic Church.

Sister at Amazon synod calls for women religious to be granted vote

One of the Catholic sisters taking part in the Vatican's Synod of Bishops for the Amazon has called for women religious attending the gathering to be granted the right to vote, saying their status as non-voting participants has been a "strong topic" of discussion.

New Pax Christi presidents look to elevate church's nonviolence teachings

Theologians praise pope's historic appointment of women as members of Vatican congregation

UISG president says group is considering publishing women deacons report

International Union of Superiors General elects Polish educator as new president

Francis: Decision on women deacons cannot be made 'without historical foundation'

Francis: Women deacons commission gave split report on their role in early church

Whether Francis will address women deacons remains unknown, UISG president says

International Union of Superiors General advocates for women, sees influence grow

Vatican women's magazine staff quit, citing 'climate of mistrust'