Catholic Church advances social doctrine training and episcopal reforms

The Catholic Church is undergoing internal developments regarding social doctrine and episcopal selection processes. In Catania, Italy, the Archdiocese has announced the “Leone XIV” Forum of Social Doctrine of the Church for the 2026/2027 pastoral year. Led by Monsignor Piero Sapienza, the forum will provide training based on the encyclical “Magnifica Humanitas” to address contemporary social shifts through discussion and working groups.

Simultaneously, reforms are progressing regarding the criteria for selecting bishops. Following directives from Pope Leo XIV, reports have been released concerning the role of apostolic nuncios. The proposed changes suggest that nuncios should adopt a more synodal and missionary profile, influencing the qualities sought in future episcopal candidates by changing the consultative process rather than altering existing canon law.