Summary
Pope Leo XIV delivered a speech at the plenary session of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, emphasizing the transmission of faith and summarizing recent documents. The Pope mentioned that the list of last significant documents began with the February 2024 note on Sacraments’ validity and excluded controversial documents such as Fiducia supplicans published in December 2023. Leo XIV’s speech indicated a shift in direction for the Dicastery, suggesting a new era under his leadership. It was assumed that Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, who is retiring soon, would lead the Dicastery. The Pope did not appoint Cardinal Michael Czerny or Marcello Semeraro, both of whom are over 75 years old, nor did he replace Prefect Filippo Iannone with a personal choice but based on skill and temperament. Archbishop Redaelli was appointed to the Clergy Dicastery due to his position as Gorizia’s Archbishop. The appointment of Billeri, who is from San Miniato under Bishop Giovanni Paccosi, reflects his background rather than personal connection. This speech signaled a departure from Pope Francis’s approach by excluding controversial documents and preparing for generational change within the Vatican.
Key Topics
Pope Francis, Leo XIV, Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith
