The Bishop of Killaloe believes the new pope’s background in Canon Law will ensure safeguarding is paramount throughout all levels of the Catholic Church.
Cardinal Robert Prevost from Chicago officially became Pope Leo XIV yesterday and is seen as a slightly more conservative successor to Pope Francis.
Speaking at his inaugural mass in the Sistine Chapel, Pope Leo XIV has called on the Catholic community to walk with him as he embarks on his papal mission.
The new pontiff spent 10 years on a ministry in Peru, a further decade on the Vatican’s governing body, the Curia and holds dual Peruvian and American citizenship.
He’s been a champion for migrants and has shared social media posts criticising policies of the Trump administration, but the new pontiff is not in favour of ordaining women as priests.
Pope Leo’s last public comments on LGBT issues were in 2012, at the time he cautioned against media reports that celebrated teachings not in line with the gospel and since then it’s not clear if his views have changed.
Killaloe Diocesan Communications Officer Fr Brendan Quinlivan believes the new pope will prioritise unity and bring a balanced approach.
Pope Leo XIV has also faced criticism in the past for his handling of clerical abuse cases.
However Bishop of Killaloe Fintan Monahan believes his strong grounding in Canon Law will ensure safeguarding is prioritised at all levels within the church.
You can listen to the full interview on Clare FM’s Morning Focus below.
