ROME (AP) — In a notable Christmas address, Pope Leo XIV called on Vatican cardinals to set aside their personal ambitions and power interests. Building on the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis, Leo used the occasion to address what he perceives as a toxic environment within the Roman Curia, the governing body of the Holy See. He posed a poignant question to the Curia members: "Is it possible to be friends in the Roman Curia?" instigating a reflection on the nature of their relationships.
Pope Leo's remarks underscored the shortcomings present in the Curia, which he noted could often lead to bitterness and disillusionment among its members. While he refrained from using Francis' more acerbic phrasing—criticizing the clergy for suffering from "spiritual Alzheimers" or creating "cancerous" cliques—his message retained an emphasis on the need for a transformation within the Vatican bureaucracy. Leo emphasized the importance of camaraderie, asserting that genuine friendship and mutual respect are essential to combat resentment and dissatisfaction that may flourish under a power dynamic fueled by self-interest.
Historically, the Curia has been a challenging environment, and Leo recognized that the dynamics of ambition and personal interests remain stubbornly entrenched. He urged his colleagues to prioritize unity within the Church and foster communication with each other and the world. "In a world wounded by discord, violence, and conflict, where we also witness a growth in aggression and anger... Christmas invites everyone to work for peace and universal fraternity," he stated, emphasizing the Church’s role in advocating for global harmony.
In addition to addressing internal challenges, Pope Leo XIV highlighted the ongoing crisis of declining priest numbers, attributing this issue to several factors, including the fallout from clergy abuse scandals and increasing societal isolation. On Monday, Leo released a document commemorating the 60th anniversary of two key Vatican decrees that focus on the training of future priests. He articulated that the current global count of priests has fallen to 406,996 as of 2023, a drop of 734 from the previous year, with growth in vocations seen only in Africa and Asia.
Notably, in 2013, just a decade ago, the total priest count was recorded at 415,348, signifying a disturbing trend of decline that has persisted since 2015. Recognizing the "painful reality" of young clergy leaving the priesthood shortly after ordination, Leo urged for improved training within seminaries and called for equitable treatment of priests serving in economically diverse parishes. Additionally, he proposed fostering communal living arrangements for priests to alleviate feelings of loneliness, a significant concern in modern ministry.
Pope Leo, who comes from the Augustinian religious order, emphasized the necessity of communal support within the Church and encouraged a reevaluation of existing practices to respond adequately to the reasons behind the dwindling priest numbers. He called for "strong and liberating proposals" to inspire young individuals to pursue a vocation in the priesthood, emphasizing that while the reasons for the priest shortage may vary by socio-cultural context, urgent and decisive action is essential.
