Pope Francis preserves the idea of synodality, that is to say the idea that the Church is a process of listening, consultation and struggle, declared Austrian Jesuit Andreas Batlogg to Kirche-und-Leben.de on April 17. He has written several books on Francis, including an early biography.
Regarding the 2019 Amazon synod, Father Batlogg stated that Francis had nearly abolished celibacy: "Then there was massive backlash. And he slowed down.
A similar situation occurred with the Synod on Synodality, which ended without a final document.
The internal division of the Church under Francis has become "very profound": "There was open resistance, not just behind the scenes".
With Leo XIV, however, there has been "more a change of tone than a fundamental rupture", according to Father Batlogg.
Leo XIV presents himself as calmer and more controlled, with greater attention to clarity and more traditional behaviour: "However, these are primarily matters of style".
And: "In terms of content, I see that many policies are being pursued, such as synodality, social issues and a global perspective."
Father Batlogg explains it this way: "Francis opened the doors, and Leo is now beginning to organize the rooms that lie behind."
AREAM SUAM
Leo XIV continues Francis's path, but with a different tone
Biographer of 'Francis'
Translated from French by AI
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