A critical assessment by We Are Church on the first anniversary of the election of Pope Leo XIV
Press release, Munich, Innsbruck, Rome, May 7, 2026
The We Are Church movement in Germany and the We Are Church Platform in Austria drew a nuanced conclusion at the end of Pope Leo XIV's first year in office. With his focus on peace from the very first day, culminating in his recent, very clear pronouncements against all warmongers, including US policy, as well as his messages during his trip to Africa, Pope Leo has given his pontificate and the papacy a strong profile in this first year. Leo's efforts toward peace and cooperation in world politics are rightly widely recognized and offer hope in light of the global crises. It will be considerably more difficult for him to shape peace and unity within the worldwide Roman Catholic Church in a sustainable way.
Programmatic Legacy
As a wise, worldly, and experienced religious, Pope Leo continues with and implements what his charismatic predecessor Francis rightly stirred up and unleashed. With the much too little-noticed document "Dilexi te," Leo has taken over and further developed the programmatic legacy of his predecessor's "preferential option for the poor." It is Francis's missionary course that solidifies action for and with the poor of all kinds as a central message of the Christian faith. This document of continuity between Francis and Leo praises the reinterpretation of Christian revelation in the context of modern social, labor, economic, and cultural conditions, which is inconceivable without the laity. We Are Church sees "Dilexi te" as a suitable foundation for the many pending and synodally required decisions on direction facing the entire Roman Catholic Church, indeed, all of humanity.
Global Cultural and Leadership Experience
Unlike the charismatic disruptor Francis, the more reserved and unassuming Leo XIV, whom he groomed as his successor, is a team player with global cultural and leadership experience. Leo XIV seeks consultation and involves the Vatican and the cardinals through regular consistories. This approach is more sustainable, but unfortunately, it can also slow down urgently needed reforms. However, it is essential to quickly end misunderstood traditions based on power and outdated anthropological perspectives, such as those found in the teachings of Augustine, the founder of his order.
Some concrete areas for action
Just as Pope Leo XII advocates with due clarity for human dignity and human rights—for example, those of the marginalized and refugees—he must also be judged by how human rights are implemented within his own Church under his leadership. Some of his statements to date therefore invite contradiction.
Clericalism
With the statement that the hierarchical order of the Church is not man-made, or with the washing of feet on Holy Thursday only by priests, Leo may be hoping to appease the insecure male clergy. However, this can and must be countered with sound theological arguments in no uncertain terms. It is necessary to overcome clericalism, which is based on flawed metaphysical and theological foundations, with its problematic view of women and the denial of internal Church democracy at all levels. The requirement of celibacy must be reviewed.
The Women's Question
His evasive statements regarding the ordination of women have caused great disappointment, particularly in Western cultures. The Synod has shown that the "women's question" is relevant worldwide. The published final report of Study Group 5, "Women," of the Synod clearly demonstrates that there are now differing positions on this issue, even within theology. It is noteworthy that Pope Leo X sees cultural, rather than theological, obstacles to the ordination of women. This opens up possibilities and compels action. After all, the Catholic Church is arguably the largest educational institution in the world, and Leo places great emphasis on education and training. Through genuine equality for women at all levels, the Catholic Church could, indeed should, be a pioneer in fundamentally improving the situation of women worldwide.
Synodality
Crucial for the future of the Church is not only the continuation of the synodal process initiated by Pope Francis, but also genuine synodality and participation on equal terms. That Pope Leo XIV, as a cardinal, actively participated in the synodal assemblies and has now pledged their continuation is a first step, but one that is insufficient. Crucial is the transformation of the synodal process into genuine synodality at all levels of the Church, with binding participation and shared responsibility for the laity, as well as accountability for bishops and those in positions of responsibility within the Church. Decisions made jointly by laity and bishops must be morally and legally binding for the clergy. A purely advisory role is inadequate. Without a corresponding, timely adaptation of canon law, genuine pastoral, structural, and magisterial reforms remain illusory.
Sexual and Spiritual Abuse
Sexual and spiritual abuse, which has shaken the credibility of the Catholic Church for decades, was clearly addressed by Pope Leo at his first consistency. In many countries, this issue is still ignored or downplayed. As with the Synodal Path in Germany, there is no alternative to demanding decisive action from church leaders worldwide and addressing the systemic causes of abuse of power, violence, and cover-ups.
Sexual Morality and Blessing Ceremonies
The recent reaffirmation by the Pope and the Vatican of the rejection of blessing ceremonies decided upon by the Synodal Path and individual bishops in Germany is not only disappointing but also rejects culturally appropriate developments. We welcome the fact that Pope Leo XIV does not see a disagreement on sexual morality as grounds for a schism in the Church and considers other “issues of justice” more important to him. But the Church must face reality: A sexual morality that excludes millions of believers and denies their lived reality is unbeatable in light of Jesus' all-encompassing commandment of love. As long as doctrines are clung to that ignore the findings of modern human sciences and marginalize people, any talk of unity is an empty promise and lacks credibility.
Traditionalists
Leo rightly sees the danger that the controversy surrounding the "Old Mass" is being exploited to impose pre-conciliar theology. "We Are Church" strongly warns against accommodating the Society of St. Pius X, which already deceived his predecessor, and other divisive movements in any way. Unity must also have its limits.
First Encyclical
The first encyclical, "Magnifica humanitas," by Pope Leo XIV, announced for May 15, 2026 (exactly 135 years to the day after Leo However, the Catholic Church must also be measured against the standards it sets, for example, against the principle of subsidiarity formulated in "Quadragesimo Anno" in 1931, which emphasizes the important decentralization and regionalization of responsibilities.
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