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
Vatican backs off external audit, asking instead for internal audit assistance
Morning Briefing, International
Cardinals formally recommend creation of Vatican office for charity, justice, peace
Pope's move to oust bishops negligent on sexual abuse gets mixed reviews
Francis gives Vatican authority to initiate removal of bishops negligent on sexual abuse
Francis: Priests aren't the boss, but should walk side-by-side with their flocks
Morning Briefing, International
Francis to priests: Get your hands dirty; people aren't just 'cases'
Francis: 'Whoever judges and scorns others is corrupt and a hypocrite'
Morning Briefing, International
Francis: Employers not offering health insurance are 'true leeches'
Morning Briefing, International
Francis: 'To ignore the poor is to scorn God!'
Vatican downplays expectations for women deacons; UISG president expresses hope for decision
