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National Post

Michael Higgins: Expect Pope Leo XIV to bring more liberal controversy

The late Pope Francis was canny enough not to let history write his legacy, deciding instead to ensure it continued after his death. Article content Article content The election of an American, Cardinal Robert Prevost, as Pope Leo XIV, is a surprising first, but many Vatican watchers will see the hand of Francis at work. Article content Of the 133 cardinals who elected Prevost, 108 had been appointed by Francis — the equivalent of stacking the deck with liberals. Article content Francis also appointed Prevost as head of the Dicastery of Bishops in Rome two years ago, a powerful position which meant he would have spoken and engaged with many of the world's cardinals. This familiarity would have boosted his prospects. Article content Article content Leo has already signalled that he intends to continue Francis's legacy, thanking him profusely in his speech from the balcony of St Peter's Basilica and talking of his 'courageous' voice. Article content While that may delight many it will also anger those who felt the late pope was destroying the moral foundations of the papacy and the Church. Article content In his speech Thursday, Leo promised to be a bridge builder. 'We must seek together how to be a missionary Church, a Church that builds bridges, dialogue, always open to receive like this square with open arms. Everyone — everyone who needs our charity, our presence, dialogue, and love.' One of the key phrases was a 'synodal church' — a church where lay people play a greater part. And this is the legacy Francis wanted to ensure. A synodal church was Francis's greatest reform, his dream. Article content It was also the reform that left conservatives angry on the basis that the Church isn't a democracy. Article content In his speech, Leo pledged to receive and welcome everyone, but it's not going to be that easy. Article content Even supporters of Francis were dismayed that he never went as far in his reforms as they wanted. Women deacons and gay marriage were too much for Francis as they almost certainly will be for Leo. Article content Some of the biggest opponents of Francis were American conservative clergymen and Leo will be well acquainted with them. Like Francis, he will know his enemies. Article content Some people will see changes such as synodality as 'inside baseball' but if the reforms can be long lasting and made institutional they could have a remarkable impact. Women deacons and gay marriage? Maybe not today, but tomorrow? Article content Leo has already supported some liberal initiatives including allowing divorced and remarried Catholics to receive Holy Communion and allowing same-sex blessings.