Pope Leo XIV faces limits on changing the Catholic Church − but Francis made reforms that set the stage for larger changes

Cardinal Robert Prevost from the United States has been selected as the new head of the Roman Catholic Church and will be named Pope Leo XIV. The focus now shifts to the vision that the first U.S. pope will bring.
Bringing about change in the Catholic Church is a challenging task. Pope Francis hinted at potential changes during his time in office but did not alter church doctrines significantly. While he allowed discussions on ordaining married men in underserved regions and set up a commission to study the ordination of women as deacons, he did not fully implement these changes. He did, however, permit priests to offer the Eucharist to divorced and remarried Catholics without annulments.
Although he maintained the traditional view of sacramental marriage as between a man and a woman, he allowed for the blessing of gay couples, a move that was seen as a step towards accepting gay marriage. The extent to which the new pope will continue Francis’ initiatives remains to be seen.
Pope Francis introduced the concept of “synodality,” involving Catholics of various ranks in addressing current church challenges together. This process emphasizes the need for all church members to be heard before decisions are made. While it sets limits on the pope and bishops, synodality also opens the door for necessary developments based on the feedback of lay Catholics.
In the Catholic Church, change is gradual and cannot be rushed. Popes must consider the teachings of their predecessors and consult with other church members before making significant decisions. The doctrine of papal infallibility, established in 1870, outlines conditions under which the pope can speak on matters of faith without error.
Maintaining unity within the church is a crucial responsibility of the pope. Making rapid changes can lead to division, as seen in other denominations that have faced splits over contentious issues. Pope Leo XIV will need to balance tradition with progress to address the current challenges facing the Catholic Church.