How Francis Will Rebuild the Church: The Reforms of the New World Pope

With his simplicity and his frugality, which are neither a studied pose nor the product of a media strategy, Pope Francis has already sent in the first days of his pontificate an important signal of change. 

His rejection of the “flagship” of the Vatican fleet of automobiles, his reduction of the security detail that had ended up confining the pope, his decision not to move into the “papal” appartment but to remain in more modest living quarters, and his intention to remain close to the people are already definite indications of change. His is an example that could lead to a sort of self-reform – one that cardinals and bishops could begin to follow. 

The enthusiasm with which the people – even those who were away from the faith or had never experienced the life of faith – welcomed the new pope and his initial message is surprising. Some have cautioned that we should be wary of the media effect and of the deadly embrace from some secular commentators. Those who are preoccupied with such things seem displeased that for once the Church and her message are attracting so many people, arousing interest, human sympathy and admiration. 

But there is something more as well. Many people who were away from the faith have returned to the Church since the election of Bergoglio, impressed by his words about mercy. The first great change, therefore, does not depend on Francis’s new governing “team,” or on a change of structures. Obviously, this does not do away with the fact that a reform of the Curia is imperative and in all probability will be carried out. 

There are two aspects, in particular, of the necessary curial reform. The first is structural, involving a reform to streamline the Curia itself, with the combination and simplification of competencies. Various “pontifical councils” can be merged together. This would facilitate coordination among the dicasteries. The Curia, moreover, must not govern the Church but, rather, provide a service to the pope. Important also is the rapport between the Curia itself and the bishops’ conferences, between the centre and the periphery.

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