TCA’s Ashley McGuire and Mary FioRito share insights on what the selection of the new pope means to the Church, the challenges he will face, and what Catholics are looking to see from the new leader of the Catholic Church. As faithful around the world rejoice in the appointment of Pope Leo and join in prayer for his leadership, it will be incumbent upon the new pope to unite the Church body, bring doctrinal clarity and administrative governance, and continue to reach out with the word of God to save souls and protect the vulnerable.
“We rejoice with our fellow Catholics around the world in the election of our new Pope. As an American, it was a total surprise and joy to learn firsthand of the first American Pope. Pope Leo XIV has an extensive record of missionary service to the Church and will no doubt continue Pope Francis’ emphasis on evangelical outreach to the peripheries. He inherits a number of challenges, including a financial crisis that his predecessor tried and was unable to solve. He will be scrutinized as much by how he upholds the Church’s social teachings as his ability to govern a church that remains sorely in need of good governance. He takes his name from a pope who stood firmly against the negative culture of moral relativism. As a canon lawyer, he is uniquely equipped to help bring about greatly needed doctrinal and moral clarity both within the Church and in a world that so desperately needs it.”
Ashley McGuire, Senior Fellow with The Catholic Association
“As a Chicagoan, I am incredibly proud to have a Chicago area native as our new Holy Father. His inspiring words on the loggia this afternoon underscore his mandate to bring unity among Catholics in every corner of the globe. By proclaiming the unchanging truths of the Catholic faith with clarity and compassion, the Holy Father can help all of us become closer followers of Christ. In Catholic parishes throughout the world, starting today, we will pray daily for our Pope, Leo XIV, who has been entrusted with leading the most important mission of the Church: saving souls.”
Mary Hallan FioRito, Senior Fellow with The Catholic Association
“Pope Leo XIV takes the helm of a church still greatly in need of good governance. He must pick up his predecessor’s unfinished work of tackling reform of Vatican finances as well as strengthening protections for minors and the vulnerable that Pope Francis began.
“In taking the name Leo, he has signaled continuity with Church social teaching on the dignity of workers that Pope Leo XIII sought to address in his encyclical Rerum Novarum. This teaching — upheld by Pope Saint John Paul II — strongly warned against both socialism and unbridled capitalism alike because they fail to respect the inherent dignity of the human person. All Catholics agree we are in urgent need of a leader who can unify the Church in this moment, which is achievable only through clearly and compassionately proclaiming the fundamental and unchanging truths revealed to us by Jesus Christ.”
Ashley McGuire is a Senior Fellow with The Catholic Association
