Joshua J. McElwee

Joshua J. McElwee was NCR's news editor from 2021-24. He was previously the publication's Vatican correspondent from 2014-21, where his 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 was 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 reported for NCR from 39 countries and traveled for the publication in the press pool abroad with Pope Francis 24 times. 

By this Author

Chicago's Cardinal Cupich not expected to be moved to Rome

Bishops deliberate whether one rule applies to all divorced people after 'Amoris Laetitia'

Conference weighs how 'Amoris Laetitia' rejects 'infantilization of laity'

Jesuit tells Vatican not to pursue 'high ideals' in ongoing talks with China

Former abuse commission member Collins expresses concern over group's restructuring

Bishops, theologians gather to consider US implementation of 'Amoris Laetitia'

Francis to take on 'fake news' in 2018 World Communications Day message

Morning Briefing, International

Francis responds to critics: Morality of 'Amoris Laetitia' is Thomist

Francis launches global Caritas campaign to welcome migrants

Scholars say correction of Francis for 'heresy' marked by hypocrisy, lack of signatories

Bangladesh cardinal calls Myanmar's treatment of Rohingya 'crime against humanity'

Pope admits Catholic Church waited too long to respond to clergy abuse crisis

Morning Briefing, International

Morning Briefing, International

Pope tells new bishops to respect, dialogue with consciences of laypeople

John XXIII's naming as patron saint of Italian army met with criticism

Council of Cardinals takes 'pause for reflection' in latest meeting

Pope Francis questions Trump's pro-life values over decision to end DACA

Francis tells Colombians: Building peace requires personal encounter

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