As a Catholic who has been vocal about the wounds inflicted by Pope Francis’s pontificate, I find myself at a crossroads with the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff. My previous writings, such as my article on the The Next Pope’s Agenda outlined my deep concerns about actions taken by Pope Francis that I believe damaged severely the Deposit of the Faith. From his approach to moral theology to his restrictions on the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM), I saw a papacy that often left pious Catholics who truly follow doctrine feeling alienated and disheartened. Yet, as we stand at the threshold of a new era with Pope Leo XIV, I am compelled to pause and reflect after much prayer. Should we rush to judgment, or should we, as Catholics, adopt a posture of prudence and hope?
I was recently moved by Fr. James Blount’s insightful reflection on Substack (What is a Christian Attitude Toward a New Pope?), where he calls for a “Christian attitude” toward a new pope—one rooted in charity, discernment, and trust in God’s providence. His words resonate deeply, especially as I wrestle with the mixed reports about Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost. There are troubling allegations from his past, including claims that he may have mishandled priestly sex abuse cases in Chicago and Peru, and questions about his role in the cancellation of Bishop Joseph Strickland, a beloved figure — a modern day Venerable Fulton Sheen, and whether this was a decision pressured by Pope Francis. These concerns cannot be dismissed lightly, especially for those of us who have been “burned” by Francis’s pontificate, like an abused spouse wary of new wounds.
Yet, as I reflect on Fr. Blount’s call and my own background in auditing, I am convinced that we must give Pope Leo XIV a fresh start. He now sits in the Chair of Peter, a position of immense spiritual weight and responsibility. While he may have sins in his past—as we all do—he may also have virtues that are already beginning to shine. Early actions in his papacy suggest a pope who seeks to unify and honor tradition. Wouldn’t it be more prudent, and indeed more Christian, to wait and see what he does as pope before we “crucify” him? Wouldn’t it lend greater credibility to our critiques if we base them on his actions in this new role, rather than assumptions drawn from a complex past?
Early Signs of a Unifying, Traditional Pontificate
Just one day after his election, Pope Leo XIV made a bold move that sent ripples through the Catholic world: he lifted the sanctions imposed by Pope Francis on the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, allowing the resumption of the Traditional Latin Mass. This swift action signals a commitment to healing the wounds inflicted on traditional Catholics, who felt marginalized by Francis’s abusive restrictions on the TLM. By restoring the ancient liturgy to one of Rome’s most sacred basilicas, Pope Leo XIV is positioning himself as a unifier, seeking to bridge the divide between the Church’s modern and traditional wings. He is honoring 2000 years of tradition by this simple act. Hopefully we will see him restoring the TLM to its rightful place with the Church. By doing so, we will likely see many fruits from these and further actions that restore the beauty of this tradition.
His choice of the name Leo is equally telling. By honoring Pope Leo XIII, whose 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum boldly opposed communist ideologies and defended the dignity of workers, Leo XIV signals a return to the Church’s uncompromising stance against secular ideologies that threaten faith and human flourishing. This symbolic gesture suggests a pontificate rooted in the timeless truths of Catholic social teaching, offering hope to those who feared further erosion of tradition.
The Shadow of Allegations
Still, we cannot ignore the concerns about Pope Leo XIV’s past. his handling of priestly sex abuse cases. News reports, including those from CNN and The Washington Post, indicate that the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) filed complaints against then-Cardinal Prevost, accusing him of failing to adequately investigate abuse claims in Chicago and Peru. In Chicago, he is said to have allowed a priest accused of abuse, Father James Ray, to reside in a friary near a school in 2000, though the Vatican denies he permitted this arrangement. In Peru, three women alleged in 2022 that Prevost, as Bishop of Chiclayo, did not properly investigate their claims of abuse by two priests when they were minors. These accusations are serious and demand accountability, especially given the Church’s painful history with clergy abuse.
However, conflicting reports paint a more nuanced picture. For instance, some sources note that Prevost supported survivors of abuse within the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae movement in Peru, which Pope Francis ultimately dissolved. Additionally, the current Bishop of Chiclayo has denied claims that Prevost mishandled cases, asserting that the diocese has supported the alleged victims. These conflicting narratives remind us of the complexity of such cases and the need for careful discernment. As an auditor by trade, I know that allegations are not verdicts, and incomplete information can lead to unjust conclusions.
Bishop Strickland Question
Another point of contention is Pope Leo XIV’s role in the cancellation of Bishop Joseph Strickland, a vocal defender of the Deposit of the Faith. While it’s clear that Bishop Strickland’s removal occurred under Prevost’s watch as head of the Dicastery for Bishops, it’s unclear whether this was a decision driven by pressure from Pope Francis or reflected Prevost’s own judgment. Given Francis’s history of sidelining conservative voices, it’s not unreasonable to suspect external influence. Yet, without concrete evidence, we risk speculating rather than seeking truth. My investigative instincts urge me to wait for clarity—did Prevost act independently, or was he carrying out orders? The answer matters, and it’s one we don’t yet have.
Need for Patience and Credibility
The wounds left by Pope Francis’s pontificate run deep. Many of us feel betrayed by decisions that seemed to prioritize worldly trends over eternal truths. But if we approach Pope Leo XIV with the same suspicion and defensiveness because of Pope Francis’ abuse, we risk becoming the very thing we criticize: reactionary and closed to God’s grace. Fr. Blount’s reflection reminds us that a Christian attitude requires us to trust that God can work through imperfect men, as He has throughout the Church’s history. Popes are not infallible in their personal conduct or administrative decisions; they are human, capable of both error and redemption.
By giving Pope Leo XIV a chance to define his papacy, we position ourselves to critique with greater credibility. His early actions—restoring the TLM and invoking Leo XIII’s legacy—suggest a pontificate that may align with the Gospel and uphold the Church’s tradition. If his future decisions deviate, our criticisms will carry more weight because they’re grounded in evidence, not preconceptions. This approach doesn’t mean ignoring the past—it means holding it in tension with the possibility of a new direction.
Looking Ahead
So, what should we watch for in Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate? First, his handling of the clergy abuse crisis will be critical. Will he enact the “universal zero tolerance law” that SNAP advocates for, or will he continue the perceived secrecy of his predecessor? Second, his approach to doctrine and tradition will reveal much about his priorities. Will he defend the Church’s teachings on life, marriage, and the priesthood, as his early actions suggest, or will he follow Francis’s progressive leanings? Finally, his leadership style—whether he builds bridges, as he has promised, or deepens divisions—will shape the Church’s future.
As we await these answers, let’s commit to prayer and vigilance. Pope Leo XIV has inherited a Church facing immense challenges, from declining faith in the West to the ongoing fallout of abuse scandals. He needs our prayers, not our premature condemnation. Like an investigator gathering evidence, let’s observe his actions, weigh them against the truth of Scripture and tradition, and respond with both charity and conviction.
Our faith is not in popes but in Christ, who promised that the gates of hell would not prevail against His Church. Let’s give Pope Leo XIV the chance to lead, trusting that God’s grace can work through even the most unexpected of men. His first steps as pope offer hope—Only time—and his actions—will tell us who he truly is.