Pope Leo hints at further church reform in Christmas speech to cardinals

KANIKA SINGH RATHORE,

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Pope Leo Has signaled his intention to maintain the reformist approach of his predecessor Francis during his annual Christmas address Vatican Cardinals

First American Pontiff Leo praised Francis’ efforts Promoting a more inclusive global Catholic ChurchPledged to continue his legacy.

Addressing the Church’s most senior officials, Pope Leo described Francis, who He died in April after suffering from double pneumoniaAs a “prophetic voice”.

Leo said the late pope was dedicated to developing “a joyful Church.” everyone is welcome And attentive to the poorest”.

The diplomatic approach marked a notable departure from Francis’ own Christmas speeches.

During his 12-year papacy, Francis often used these opportunities to sharply criticize the Vatican’s central bureaucracy, the Roman Curia, often detailing its “ailments” and “maladies” in lengthy addresses.

Pope Leo XIV received an audience at the end of the meeting with the staff of the Roman Curia, the Governorate of Vatican City State and the Vicariate of Rome and their families.

Pope Leo XIV received an audience at the end of the meeting with the staff of the Roman Curia, the Governorate of Vatican City State and the Vicariate of Rome and their families. ,reuters,

In contrast, Pope Leo, known for his more measured style, spoke for only 15 minutes, avoiding direct rebuke but reiterating many of the core principles of Francis’ papacy.

The Pope cautioned officials against “falling into rigidity or ideology” when implementing Church teachings.

He stressed that the complex structure of the Vatican “cannot diminish or slow down the progress of their work”, and regretted the frequent interpersonal conflicts within the institution.

“We see with dismay that some dynamics – linked to the exercise of power, the desire to prevail, or the pursuit of personal interests – are slow to change,” the Pope said.

Pope Leo XIV greets the audience at the end of the meeting

Pope Leo XIV greets the audience at the end of the meeting ,reuters,

He then raised a question: “Then we ask ourselves: Is it possible to be a friend in the Roman Curia?”

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Pope Leo concluded by advocating “a more missionary Roman Curia, in which institutions, offices and functions are conceived in the light of today’s major ecclesiastical, pastoral and social challenges, and not merely to ensure general administration”.

The Pope will hold a midnight mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve, followed by a blessing and mass on Christmas Day.

Uk