The PR of Vatican financial reform

If the Vatican needs Catholics in the pews to start giving again, convincing them that there is a coherent narrative to financial reforms would be a real help.

Pope Francis last week announced a dramatic policy change at the Vatican, ending the traditional practice of giving discounted accommodation to Rome-based cardinals and other senior curial officials.

The policy is likely to be unpopular, the pope acknowledged it will require an “extraordinary sacrifice” from those affected. But while the aim is to save m…