VATICAN CITY - In his inaugural sermon, Pope Leo XIV urged the cardinals who elected him to "make oneself small," emphasizing that those in authority within the Catholic Church should allow only Christ to shine through. Since then, Leo has adopted a humble approach to his papacy, contrasting sharply with the more flamboyant styles of some of his predecessors. This weekend, he will further embrace his low-profile role by beginning a six-week vacation at Castel Gandolfo, the traditional papal summer residence located on the shores of Lake Alban, south of Rome.
Those who work with Leo believe he will use this time away from the public eye to grapple with significant issues facing the Church. Known for being methodical and diligent, Leo plans to study comprehensive reports on pressing matters before making decisions. His summer retreat, filled with opportunities for reflection, will allow him to engage in both leisure and serious contemplation.
One of Leo's primary tasks upon his return will be to make key appointments within the Vatican. After his election on May 8, Leo opted to keep all Vatican prefects in their positions temporarily, but crucial vacancies, such as the prefect of the office that vets bishop nominations, remain. Additionally, he needs to determine who will serve as his second-in-command in the Vatican, the secretary of state—a position currently held by Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
Leo is also expected to address the Vatican's financial challenges. The Holy See is facing a substantial structural deficit, estimated between 50 million to 60 million euros ($59-71 million), and a shortfall of 1 billion euros ($1.18 billion) in its pension fund. Understanding and resolving these financial issues will be imperative for the stability of the Vatican's operations.
Another critical issue on Leo's agenda involves resolving high-profile clergy sex abuse cases that emerged during Francis' papacy. Leo has highlighted the urgent need for a cultural shift within the Church that prioritizes prevention and avoids any form of abuse. The case of Rev. Marko Rupnik, a Jesuit artist accused of sexual and psychological abuse, stands out as particularly contentious. Despite the absence of minors involved in his alleged misconduct, the case has generated considerable debate and scrutiny, particularly regarding the handling of Rupnik's situation by Church authorities.
Furthermore, Leo must navigate the ongoing trial of Cardinal Angelo Becciu, related to financial crimes tied to a botched investment in London. The trial, described as the "trial of the century," is set to enter its appeals phase in September. There are concerns about the integrity of the trial, which has been marred by claims of violations of basic defense rights. As a canon lawyer, Leo faces the delicate task of addressing Becciu’s situation while maintaining an appearance of judicial independence.
In terms of liturgical matters, Leo has expressed a commitment to fostering unity within the Church, particularly around the contentious issue of the Latin Mass. Following restrictions imposed by Francis in 2021, traditionalists are hopeful that Leo will strive to mend the divisions created and potentially ease access to the old liturgy.
Additionally, Leo has identified artificial intelligence as a pressing concern for humanity, signaling that he may be drafting a formal document regarding the implications of AI. He is also contemplating his travel plans, including a potential visit to Turkey to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea, which marks an essential event in Christian history. While he has received numerous invitations, including from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vice President JD Vance, Leo has kept his responses vague regarding future travels.
Lastly, as Leo enjoys his time in Castel Gandolfo, the town's residents are eager to welcome him. This picturesque retreat has been largely unused during Francis's papacy, as Francis opted to remain in the Vatican. However, the townspeople look forward to Leo's return, envisioning the scenic locale as a perfect setting for his contemplation, writing, and spiritual reflection. Encapsulating the significance of this environment, local parish priest Rev. Tadeusz Rozmus remarked, "Remember, many encyclicals were written here."
