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

Archbishop warns of 'balkanization' in US church

Bishops push Congress again for immigration reform

Vatican confirms June date for Israeli/Palestinian 'prayer summit'

US cardinal urges seminarians to follow Francis' example

African Jesuit leader calls for Nigerian president's resignation

Financial reform group says Francis visit lends credibility

Archbishop Lori: Francis reaches all, 'churched and un-churched'

Francis: Bishops, lay people 'all on the same level'

Acton conference draws ties between Christian persecution, economic liberalism

Vatican downplays progress of cardinals working on reform

Cardinal Bertone defends new apartment, claims papal approval

Contracts that define teachers as ministers raise labor questions

Wrapping up decades of change, conflict, Francis saints two popes

NCR live tweeting canonization ceremonies Sunday morning

Sunday's canonization rite short, with saints made at same time

Jubilation, logistical wrangles in St. Peter's Square before Sunday's saintings

Pope Benedict to concelebrate at Sunday's sainthood Mass

Vatican: John Paul II took 'immediate' action on sexual abuse

Council of Cardinals to meet with Francis for fourth time

The Tablet parts ways with longtime Vatican analyst Robert Mickens

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