Early signs from Leo’s first consistory suggest continuity with Pope Francis’ original pastoral vision
Pope Leo Walks the ‘Early Francis’ Path — With a New Approach
COMMENTARY: Early signs from Leo’s first consistory suggest continuity with Pope Francis’ original pastoral vision — more in what he said than in how he later governed.
The direction of the Leonine pontificate is still not yet clear, but the consistory of cardinals last week gave some further indications.
Pope Leo XIV intends to continue in the direction of his immediate predecessor, but he prefers to do as Pope Francis said, rather than what Pope Francis did.
In announcing the topics for the consistory last month, Leo chose four that were central to the Francis pontificate — Evangelii Gaudium, the reform of the Roman Curia, liturgy and synodality.
At the actual consistory, the cardinals chose to discuss the first and the last, about both of which Pope Leo has repeatedly expressed his commitment. Leo wants the missionary Church called for by Evangelii Gaudium, the charter document of Pope Francis, and agrees with Pope Francis that “synodality is what the Lord desires” for the Church …