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 warns Christians against 'tyrannical idol' of money in Lenten message

Knights of Malta leader: Vatican stepped in to protect pope's name

Morning Briefing, International

Morning Briefing, International

Knights of Malta leader resigns, pope to name delegate to run order

In communications day message, Francis asks outlets to focus on good news, too

Vatican prosecuting financial crimes for first time, watchdog agency president says

In message to Trump, Francis hopes US will show concern for poor

Morning Briefing, international

In 2018 synod questionnaire, Vatican asks world's bishops to listen to young people

Morning Briefing, International

Cardinal Dolan contemplates selling NY chancery in biting letter to priests

Irish priest Tony Flannery to violate suspension from ministry to celebrate birthday Mass

Knights of Malta refuse to cooperate with papal investigation of the order

Cardinal Muller: Four cardinals challenging pope are harming the church

Francis calls on global political, faith leaders to work together against terrorism

Morning Briefing, International

Leaders of microstate San Marino back Francis' message on nonviolence

Francis creates Vatican commission to investigate Knights of Malta

Francis denounces resistance to Vatican reform in Christmas speech to curia

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