New Pope's Expectations and Obstacles in his Papal Tenure
The recently elected Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, has inherited a packed to-do list, ranging from the position of women in the Church to combatting sexual abuse, financial recovery, and ensuring inclusivity. With a significant global audience eagerly watching his every move, this new Pope faces a monumental task.
Francis Robert Prevost, now 69 years old, was chosen as the Pope on Thursday, following a quick two-day conclave. As the name Leo XIV hints, he's ambitious and keen to forge a new path for the Church.
On Friday, Pope Leo will lead his inaugural holy mass as Pope, after making a surprise visit to his former residence's staff. Our Europe correspondent, Siobhan Robbins, delves deeper into the challenges facing this new Pontiff.
Sexual Abuse
While Pope Francis made strides addressing sexual abuse, he hasn't gone far enough, according to many Church insiders. In 2019, he brought bishops together for a conference on the issue and instigated changes that allow cooperating with civil courts during abuse cases. However, he stopped short of mandating full disclosure of information related to child abuse.
Although abuse victims have seen progress under Pope Francis—who frequently lends a listening ear to survivors—they still demand more forceful action from the next Pope.
Women
Pope Francis made history by promoting women within the Vatican more than any other Pope. Two years ago, he allowed women to vote in significant meetings of bishops. While he supported more opportunities for women, he resisted the idea of women in the Church hierarchy and didn't change the rules on women being ordained.
The new Pope needs to decide if he will further this agenda or take a step back. This is a pressing issue as women perform a substantial portion of the work in schools and hospitals but often feel shorthanded and treated as second-class citizens. Approximately 10,000 nuns have left the Church in the past decade, according to Vatican figures.
LGBTQ+ Inclusion
In 2013, Pope Francis famously declared, "Who am I to judge?" when asked about a gay monsignor. His supporters laud his efforts to make the Church more open, including allowing blessings for same-sex couples. However, critics argue he didn't go far enough, and some conservatives were infuriated.
African bishops have rejected blessings for same-sex couples, stating it would create confusion and directly contradict African cultural values. The Pope's stance on LGBTQ+ members will have a significant impact on the Church's perception as welcoming.
Financial Crisis
Though not explicitly mentioned in the article, financial concerns have long been a significant issue for the Church. Pope Leo XIV will need to tackle this challenge in order to stabilize the Church's future.
The Church faces increased financial scrutiny as it strives for transparency and rigorous management to maintain its standing and relevance in our rapidly changing world. As Pope Leo XIV navigates these complex issues, he'll have to balance the Church's traditional values with the evolving needs of its diverse global congregation.
In light of the Church's ongoing financial concerns, Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected Pope, will face the challenge of stabilizing the Church's future byaddressing financial recovery.
Multiplying demands for transparency and rigorous management in the Church's finances highlight the urgency for Pope Leo to balance the Church's traditional values with the evolving needs of its diverse global congregation.
