The latest Catholic Union “Pub Talk” took place on 27 March with Rt Hon Ruth Kelly as guest speaker.
The former Labour MP and Government Minister spoke about her work on Pope Francis’s Council for the Economy. Established at the beginning of his Papacy to bring order and oversight to the Vatican’s finances, the Council reports directly to the Holy Father.
Ruth, who is also a Catholic Union Vice President, was appointed to the 15-member Council in 2020 as one of seven lay members, six of whom are women. The former treasurer to the then Prince of Wales, Leslie Ferrar, also serves on the Council.
Ruth spoke about her most recent meeting with Pope Francis in December 2022 where he spoke at great detail and without notes on the challenges facing the Vatican’s finances. He is someone who “knows his own mind” said Ruth.
An audience of around 40 people put questions to Ruth on the need for the Church to make ethical investments, the importance of lay leadership, and the need for Catholics to get involved in public life.
The talk, which was sponsored by the Catholic Universe, was the second in a new series of “Pub Talks” being hosted by the Catholic Union. The events aim to bring together people with an interest in politics and the common good. Details of the next event will be announced shortly.
Ruth Kelly comments: “It was a pleasure to take part in this event and to see the Catholic Union in such good shape. I’m always encouraged by the number of Catholics I meet who are involved in politics at the national or local level. I know just how important it is to have a support network in politics as it can be tough being a Catholic in public life. I hope these events will inspire more people to get involved in politics or the life the Church. We need good men and women to serve at all levels and all places.”
James Somerville-Meikle, Deputy Director of the Catholic Union, comments: “I first met Ruth many years ago when I was a student. I had travelled down to London for Mass in the chapel in Parliament and she gave one of the readings. It made a lasting impression on me seeing Ruth and other Catholic politicians come together for Mass. I was delighted that Ruth was able to join us and to be able to introduce her at the start of the evening. She has inspired many people over the years, and I’m sure many more will have been inspired after her talk.”