POPE LEO XIV will have his hands full as he begins a pontificate marked by the challenge of forging a truly multicultural and synodal Church, while also finding ways to reignite faith among the youth, according to a Dominican cardinal.
For Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe, one of the cardinal-electors who participated in the conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV, among the pressing challenges facing the new pontiff is guiding the Church into the “post-Western world.”
“The Church is ever more global. We rejoice in the rise of Catholicism in Africa and Asia. How can we be truly a Church of many cultures? The Roman Curia is still very Italian in language and spirit. How can the Church be open to non-Western ways of being?” Radcliffe said in an exclusive interview with the Varsitarian.
At the same time, the Church should prioritize its relationship with the youth.
“How can we touch the imagination of the young with our faith? They love adventure. We need to show them the passionate adventure of entering the mystery of infinite love,” he said.
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, is the first pope from the United States and the Order of St. Augustine.
According to Radcliffe, a former master of the Order of Preachers, having roots in a religious order would help the new pontiff face the challenges of the modern Church.
Leo is also a former superior of his own Augustinian order.
“We, religious orders, understand synodality and community. It is in our DNA,” Radcliffe said.
“So in this time when we need to nurture our unity, a Bishop of Rome who is a religious has a tradition and experience which will be helpful to the whole Body of Christ,” the English Dominican added.
Based on his encounter with the then-Cardinal Prevost during the Synod on Synodality, Radcliffe said Pope Leo XIV would be well-suited for the Petrine ministry.
“I was immediately struck by his gentleness and strength. This is a marvelous combination,” he said.
Radcliffe served as the Synod’s retreat preacher, while the Prevost participated in his capacity as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.
“When you talk with him, he is completely present. I am sure that he will heal many wounds in the Church. He truly understands synodality and how it can renew and strengthen our communion with each other in the Lord,” he added.
Pope Leo XIV, in his first traditional Urbi et Orbi (To the City and to the World) blessing when he was introduced as pope on May 8, announced his intention to continue the late Pope Francis’s legacy of building a synodal Church.
“We want to be a synodal Church, a Church that walks together, a Church that always seeks peace, that always seeks charity, that always tries to be close, especially to those who suffer,” the new pontiff said.
Leo officially began his Petrine Ministry as the 267th supreme pontiff of the Catholic Church with solemn liturgical rites at St. Peter’s Basilica and Square on May 18.
