Pope Leo XIV delivered a message of unity and cooperation during his first official meeting with the Roman Curia on Saturday, urging members of the Catholic Church’s governing body to build bridges and foster dialogue.
In his address at the Paul VI Hall in Vatican City, the newly elected pontiff, the first from the United States, expressed gratitude for the dedication of Vatican officials and staff. “Popes come and go, the Curia remains,” he remarked, emphasizing the enduring role of the Curia in the Church’s mission.
Echoing the words from his inaugural speech on May 8 from St Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV reiterated his call for inclusivity: “Welcome with open arms, everyone who needs our charity, our presence, dialogue and love.”
He urged Curia members to demonstrate unity through their daily conduct, saying, “Everyone can be a builder of unity with their attitudes towards colleagues, overcoming inevitable misunderstandings with patience and humility.”
Leo XIV also paid tribute to his predecessor, the late Pope Francis, referencing his call to embrace humor and humanity in service. While Pope Francis introduced key reforms—such as decentralization, enhanced transparency, and increased participation of laypeople and women—his tenure also faced criticism for perceived authoritarian tendencies and strained relations within the Curia.
Despite the changes, Francis’ legacy included moments of friction, such as his early denunciation of Vatican officials as suffering from “spiritual Alzheimer’s” and seeking power. In 2024, the Vatican experienced an unprecedented strike by museum workers demanding better conditions, further highlighting internal challenges.
Before his election, Pope Leo XIV served as head of the Vatican office that appoints bishops worldwide. He previously spent two decades in Peru, bringing with him a deep pastoral experience now shaping his leadership.
What you should know
Pope Leo XIV is setting a tone of humility, openness, and reconciliation as he begins his papacy.
By emphasizing bridge-building and daily acts of unity, he appears intent on healing rifts within the Vatican while continuing some of Pope Francis’ reformist vision, but with a softer, more collaborative approach.
ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM VERILY NEWS
