Leadership Dynamics, Transparency, & Governance during Crisis in Religious Organizations: Discussing the Roman Catholic Church’s Centralized Authority

Authors

• John D. Rudnick Jr, Thomas More UniversityFollow
• Raymond L. Enzweiler, Thomas More UniversityFollow
• Srecko Koralija, VUFollow

Document Type

Articles

Abstract

Abstract
This article considers two high-profile crises inside the Roman Catholic Church. The rejection of the Vatican audit in 2015 and the financial loss from a large investment in London real estate exemplify tension and balance between centralized, hierarchical leadership and institutional accountability. These cases examine leadership patterns relative to transparency, communication, and governance, evaluating the efficacy of centralized power under financial distress. The discussion is organized across pre-crisis, active crisis, and post-crisis phases by integrating insights from transactional, transformational, servant, and adaptive leadership style models. Performance improvement (PI) tools such as Before Action Reviews (BARs), After Action Reviews (AARs), and Force Field Analysis are recommended to improve crisis readiness, response, and organizational learning. AI (artificial intelligence) is suggested as a beneficial augmentation tool. This technology, including predictive modeling, real-time communication dashboards, and post-crisis retrospective analysis, can boost crisis improvement initiatives. This combination highlights the ongoing need for moral judgment and ethical clarity in religious leadership. Informed by Catholic Social Teaching, which includes the Church's approach to shaping economic, social, and ecological institutional responsibility and ethical investment, this reflection is grounded in Catholic theological virtues such as subsidiarity, obedience, and stewardship. Results identify the benefits and limitations of centralized governance. While central governance may limit local autonomy and quick responsiveness, it helps establish global credibility and doctrinal consistency. A hybrid governance model promoting transparency, subsidiarity, and adaptability while protecting theological cohesiveness is recommended. The ethical use of technology (algorethics) may augment clergy and lay leader decision-making amid VUCA and BANI conditions.

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Recommended Citation

Rudnick, John D. Jr; Enzweiler, Raymond L.; and Koralija, Srecko (2026) "Leadership Dynamics, Transparency, & Governance during Crisis in Religious Organizations: Discussing the Roman Catholic Church’s Centralized Authority," Interdisciplinary Journal of Leadership Studies: Vol. 4, Article 2.
Available at: https://scholarship.richmond.edu/ijls/vol4/iss2/2