Pope Leo XIV faces major challenges on finances, sex abuse and Catholic rules

The challenges facing the new pope are not new despite having a new leader. Pope Francis positioned himself as a reformer, drawing inspiration from St. Francis of Assisi. When Francis took over, the Catholic Church was struggling financially and dealing with the aftermath of the sexual abuse crisis. While he made progress in some areas, much work remains unfinished, notably in financial matters. The Vatican’s financial deficit worsened during his tenure, leading to concerns about the pension fund. Additionally, a scandal involving money laundering further tarnished the Church’s financial reputation.

On the issue of sexual abuse, Pope Francis faced criticism for his handling of cases. He established a commission that was reportedly neglected, and controversies arose, including accusations of calling abuse victims in Chile “calumny.” Towards the end of his time, he faced criticism for inaction regarding a disgraced artist accused of sexually abusing nuns. Despite these challenges, it is important not to overlook Pope Francis’s positive contributions and legacy.

The new Pope, Leo XIV, inherits a Church in need of good governance, likely a reason for his selection. The American Catholic Church, known for its efficiency and adherence to the rule of law, serves as a model for financial health and abuse reform. Pope Leo XIV faces the task of addressing real issues within the Church while striving for unity.

Pope Francis attempted to prevent division by initiating a “synodal process” in Europe but inadvertently increased polarization within the Catholic community. Pope Leo XIV must navigate this issue carefully, along with addressing other pressing challenges. As he begins his pontificate during the Jubilee Year of Hope, there is optimism for his leadership in uniting the Church and upholding its teachings with clarity and compassion.