Pope Leo XIV warns against power struggles in the Church
In his first Christmas address to the Vatican cardinals, Pope Leo XIV praised the reformist legacy of the late Pope Francis and indicated that he would be inspired by it.
He described Francis as a prophetic voice who called for a joyful, open and socially sensitive Church. Although his predecessor had often criticized the Roman Curia in similar speeches, Leo XIV opted for a more conciliatory, 15-minute speech without personal recriminations.
He warned, however, against rigidity and ideology in the interpretation of Church teaching. He called for a reform of the Curia to make it more dynamic and mission-oriented.
He drew critical attention to the continuing power struggles and personal ambitions that hamper the Vatican's operation. He asked rhetorically whether it was even possible to be friends in the Curia.
His appeal was directed to the need for Church institutions to function not only as administrative apparatuses, but as living instruments of the Church capable of responding to the challenges of the day.
(reuters, pir)