Stepping into the Papal Shoes: The Obstacles Ahead for Pope Leo XIV
Challenges Confronting the incoming Pope
By Andrea Affaticati, Milan
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Pictures of Prevost and Bergoglio suggest a close bond between Pope Francis and the newly elected Pope Leo XIV. His opening speech in St. Peter's Square, with three references to Pope Francis, further supports this connection. Yet, Leo XIV's path will not be an easy one. Unfinished reforms and open projects plague Francis' past tenure, leaving Leo XIV to tackle these challenges head-on.
The Numerous Hurdles
In a piece for "La Repubblica," journalist Giacomo Galeazzi outlines the primary tasks on the agenda for Pope Leo XIV: addressing the Vatican's financial woes, combating corruption, fostering synodality, decentralizing church institutions, and de-bureaucratization, preventing abuse, and advocating for equal rights for all. Many of these topics have sparked controversy and discontent among cardinals, pastors, and faithful alike, particularly over potential openness toward more progressive Church positions.
Finances: The Vatican's Massive Monetary Issues
While the Pope serves as the spiritual head of the Catholic Church, he is also the leader of the Vatican State, a state with an immense administrative apparatus boasting over 5,000 employees within its capital alone, and a presence in 189 countries [1]. Given the annual deficit of approximately 80 million euros, it's evident that the Vatican's finances remain one of the most critical issues, if not the most pressing problem [1].
During his tenure, Pope Francis reduced the salaries of the cardinals multiple times. However, his "Zero Deficit" program and charitable fundraising commission enjoyed little success. Today, the passive of the Vatican pension fund lies at approximately 650 million euros [1]. Issues plaguing the finances include questionable investments, corruption, and declining donations, particularly from the United States and Germany. However, the election of an American pope may potentially reinvigorate charitable giving.
Addressing the Shadows of the Past: The Abuse Crisis
Abuse cases continue to pose a significant challenge for the Church. Pope Leo XIV will need to implement measures applicable to all dioceses, ensuring that the Church proactively pursues every case. Additionally, the investigation into the disappearance of Emanuela Orlandi, a Vatican employee's 15-year-old daughter, remains ongoing, creating discomfort within the Church [1]. However, it was only during Pope Francis' pontificate that the Vatican agreed to open investigations into the case.
Challenging the Status Quo: Advocating for Equality and Inclusivity
Leo XIV will be confronted with the Church's deepening division, which has escalated under Pope Francis. Issues such as the treatment of divorced and remarried individuals, the Vatican's stance on same-sex relationships, and the role of women within the Church have sparked widespread controversy. While Pope Francis allowed blessings for same-sex couples, Gerhard Ludwig Müller, a German cardinal and well-respected theologian, has been a staunch opponent to such openings [1].
Building on Progress: Empowering Women within the Church
During his time in the hospital, Pope Francis appointed Raffaella Petrini, a Franciscan nun, as the head of state of the Vatican. Other significant appointments include Sister Alessandra Smerilli, an economist, and Simona Brambilla, a missionary nun [1]. These steps mark a small but significant shift in the Church's relationship with women. However, challenges remain, particularly in enhancing women's roles and leadership positions within the Church.
Potential for Continuity: Leo XIV's Approach to the Challenges Ahead
Despite their shared backgrounds in Argentina and Peru, Francis and Leo XIV may find themselves approaching the issues from different perspectives. While Pope Francis has been characterized by his idealistic, compassionate approach, Leo XIV is expected to tackle problems pragmatically, reflecting his electoral success [2].
References
[1] ntv.de
[2] welt.de
- Religions
- Rome
- Vatican
- Sexual Abuse
- The newly elected Pope Leo XIV, upon inheriting the role from Pope Francis, faces numerous challenges, including addressing the Vatican's financial woes, combating corruption, and fostering synodality, all of which have been contentious issues within the community.
- As the leader of the Vatican State, Pope Leo XIV will have to deal with the pressing problem of the Vatican's finances, which includes an annual deficit of approximately 80 million euros and questions about investments, corruption, and declining donations, especially from the United States and Germany.
- In addition to financial issues, Pope Leo XIV will need to address the ongoing abuse crisis within the Church, ensuring proactive investigation of cases and addressing the long-standing investigation into the disappearance of Emanuela Orlandi.
- With regards to the Church's continued division, Pope Leo XIV will confront controversial issues such as the treatment of divorced and remarried individuals, the Church's stance on same-sex relationships, and the role of women within the Church, with some, like Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Müller, opposing more progressive Church positions.
- Despite a similar background with Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV is expected to approach problems pragmatically, in stark contrast to Francis' idealistic, compassionate approach, as he navigates the challenges ahead in his role as the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church.
