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

Francis declares 'the world is at war' after French priest's slaying

Signers of document critiquing 'Amoris Laetitia' revealed

Francis mandates changes for contemplative women religious, requests revision of constitutions

Morning Briefing, International

Francis to visit John Paul II's homeland

Morning Briefing, International

Morning Briefing, International

St. Pius X society abandons unification, claims Francis spreading errors

Francis: Christians must apologize to gay people for marginalizing them

Francis and Armenian Orthodox patriarch say churches are one in prayer, action

Turkey calls pope’s genocide reference in Armenia 'great disgrace'

Francis calls on Christians to 'abandon rigid opinions' in symbol-rich Armenia day

In Armenia, Francis risks rift with Turkey by calling historic killings 'genocide'

Francis: British vote to leave EU entails 'great responsibility' for Europe

Morning Briefing, International

Papal trip to Armenia a moment for Orthodox friendship, political rapprochement

Vatican contacting about 15 orders of US sisters for 'serene' dialogue

Vatican's doctrinal congregation calls on bishops, lay movements to respect each other

Francis: Orlando killings 'new manifestation of homicidal folly and senseless hatred'

Vatican backs off external audit, asking instead for internal audit assistance

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