Reformanda Initiative

Can theology still speak meaningfully in a world shaped by science, technology, and artificial intelligence?

In a recent "Letter to Catholic Theologians," Monsignor Antonio Staglianò, President of the Pontifical Academy of Theology, proposes what he calls a "Christic Enlightenment"—a vision for reclaiming theology's place in public life by engaging science, philosophy, and contemporary culture.

But what exactly does he mean? And does this proposal offer something genuinely new, or is it a modernized version of an older Roman Catholic framework?

In this Vatican File, Dr. Leonardo De Chirico examines Staglianò's fascinating proposal, its Thomistic roots, and why an evangelical understanding of creation, fall, and redemption offers a fundamentally different way forward.

Read Vatican File #256 here: https://vaticanfiles.org/en/2026/06/vf256-letter-to-catholic-theologians/
...and join the conversation: Tell us what you think. What role should theology play in public life today?

Why does the Reformation still matter today? Centuries later, its debates on authority, salvation, and the Church continue to impact the Protestant–Catholic relationship. On Emet Ministries' YouTube channel, Clay Kannard (Reformanda Initiative) joins Christian Barrett to unpack why these discussions are still crucial for the Church today.

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KV-DpAS7iUc&t=1516s

SPECIAL EDITION VATICAN FILE!

One year after the election of Pope Leo XIV, what direction is the Roman Catholic Church taking?

In this special edition of Vatican Files, Dr. Leonardo De Chirico examines the emerging themes of Leo’s papacy: his global political role, his emphasis on peace and dialogue, his management of tensions within Roman Catholicism, and his posture toward Evangelicals, Islam, and Eastern Orthodoxy.

Is Pope Leo a quiet diplomat, a strategic bridge-builder, or something else entirely?

This analysis offers thoughtful evangelical reflection on the theology, priorities, and trajectory of the new pope and why it matters for the global church.

Read and share with someone seeking to better understand today’s Vatican.https://vaticanfiles.org/en/2026/05/vf255-a-year-with-pope-leo/

How do evangelicals faithfully live and witness in places where they are often misunderstood, marginalized, or viewed with suspicion?

In the final video of our 5-part Q&A partnership series with Missionary.com, Dr. Leonardo De Chirico reflects on navigating the stigmas evangelicals face in majority Roman Catholic contexts while remaining gracious, clear, and gospel-centered.

A thoughtful conclusion to a series on missions, church planting, and evangelical ministry in Italy and beyond.

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIaBh5Zlsrw

How Do You Navigate the Stigmas Evangelicals Face in a Majority Roman Catholic Context? Leonardo De Chirico shows how patience and faithful presence help e...

What should churches look for before sending someone to the mission field?

In this short Q&A from our partnership series with Missionary.com, Dr. Leonardo De Chirico discusses the kind of spiritual maturity, theological clarity, and church accountability that should shape missionary readiness.

Part of our video series on missions, church planting, and gospel ministry in Roman Catholic contexts.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/z-mkNoyNCI4?si=cwpgDBxez3x3xJs3

What Criteria Should Churches Use to Determine “Readiness” for Missionaries? | Leonardo De Chirico Leonardo De Chirico, Pastor of Breccia di Roma, shares the criteria we should consider for missionaries.Learn more about biblical missions at missionary.com.

Is simply having a “gospel presence” enough or should missions aim toward planting healthy local churches?

In this short Q&A from our partnership series with Missionary.com, Dr. Leonardo De Chirico explains why church planting should remain central to the mission of the church, especially in places shaped by Roman Catholicism.

Part of our 5-video Q&A partnership series on missions, Roman Catholicism, and gospel ministry.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/YFOA97-NOxk?si=hwt61weHDyxuPMp0

Why Should Church Planting Be the Ordinary Means of Missions As Opposed to Mere Gospel Presence? Leonardo De Chirico, pastor of Breccia di Roma, explains how a meaningful gospel presence reflects the threefold office of Christ.

How do former Catholics move from trusting in sacraments to resting in the assurance found in the gospel?

In this short Q&A with Leonardo De Chirico and Missionary.com, we discuss how missionaries and churches can help new believers from Roman Catholic backgrounds understand true gospel assurance in Christ alone.

Part of our 5-video Q&A partnership series on missions, Roman Catholicism, and gospel ministry.

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIRrBeddg9I

How Should Missionaries Address Sacramental vs Gospel Assurance for New Believers From Catholicism? Believers from a Catholic background may use words like grace, faith, and gospel, but they often mean something different. Leonardo De Chirico explains, “Chr...

Leonardo De Chirico joins Missionary.com for a special Q&A series answering key questions related to Roman Catholicism, missions, the gospel, and ministry in Italy.

Clear, concise, and designed to spark deeper thinking and conversation.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/rQx5jepIFaw?si=YNnFtyo8BtMSvFdi

Is there really a difference between veneration and worship?

This article, written by fellow Lauren Montenegro, examines the Roman Catholic distinction between dulia (veneration) and latria (worship) and asks whether it’s biblically and historically defensible.

Read the full piece here: https://www.reformandainitiative.org/resources/a-critical-examination-of-the-roman-catholic-definitions-of-dulia-and-latria

Why are North Americans drawn to Roman Catholicism for its tradition, while Europeans resonate with it for its political voice?

In this month’s Vatican File #254, Dr. Leonardo De Chirico explores a growing divide:

In North America → attraction to doctrine, liturgy, and authority
In Europe → attraction to social teaching, diplomacy, and global influence

Same Rome. Two very different entry points.

But what does this mean for how we understand Roman Catholicism and how we respond?

Swipe through for key insights
Read the full article here: https://vaticanfiles.org/en/2026/05/vf254/