Pope Leo XIV faces limits on changing the Catholic Church but Francis made reforms that set the stage for larger changes

Cardinal Robert Prevost has been named the first American pope, taking the title Pope Leo XIV. The new pope inherits a backdrop of cautious reform initiated by his predecessor, Pope Francis, who, while gesturing towards change—like permitting discussions on married priests and women deacons—did not formally enact significant changes to church doctrine. This raises questions about Leo XIV’s direction and whether he will continue Francis’s approach or assert more substantial changes. Signals from Francis might provide the new pope with opportunities to expand on previous discussions and engage in the ongoing process of synodality.

Change is hard to bring about in the Catholic Church, but the new American pope may inherit more leeway for change from Pope Francis than his predecessors.

Pope Francis gestured towards change, allowing discussions about ordaining married men and women deacons, yet ultimately did not implement these changes or alter core church doctrines.

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