That headline is correct; it’s not “curia in retreat.”
CNS has the news of Pope Francis’s plans for the 2014 Lenten retreat:
- It will be held at a retreat center about twenty miles outside of Rome
- It will be led by a parish pastor of the diocese of Rome well-regarded as a spiritual director
According to Cindy Wooden, CNS journalist, Pope Paul favored Jesuit preachers. Under the last two popes, retreat masters were often fairly well-known figures.
Could have been an opportunity for a woman to lead, but maybe the Holy Father doesn’t know enough women spiritual directors. As it is, a plain ol’ presbyter is an interesting choice.
Catholic Sensibility 
I think they’ve been Capuchins for the past two pontificates, IIRC.
A few silly questions that have been on my mind since I’ve heard about it.
Since not everyone has been confirmed yet for their curial positions when this announcement was made, what if you have already RSVPed but later finds out you are no longer part of the Curia?
Could they still come?
By the same (silly) logic, what if the pope decides to appoint a new person as the head of some congregation or other after the RSVP deadline, can that person come?