Collaborators of the Apostles and the reform of the Roman Curia

This article responds to Massimo Faggioli’s desire for early traditions that could be retrieved and supply a theological and moral vision for reforming the Roman Curia, the collaborators of the Bishop of Rome. From the New Testament we have scarce information about Peter’s ‘co-workers.’ Seven certainly authentic letters of Paul, however, show such apostolic collaborators functioning with Paul on his mission, and doing so in a variety of ways that prefigure the tasks of the modern Curia. The diocese of Rome is founded on the martyrdom of Peter and Paul. The Christian men and women who collaborated with Paul supply, not so much markers for some administrative changes, but rather an inspiring vision for a biblically based reform of the Roman Curia.