Since June 2025 I have reopened this blog
FIRST IMPRESSION ON THE NEW PONTIFICATE
Jerusalem, June 4th, 2025
Only a few weeks have passed since Leo XVI assumed the Petrine ministry. However, it is important that, from the outset, we observe with a spirit of discernment what has been revealed in this brief period. To do so, we must take into account a precondition: under Francis, the Church had to endure a devastating pontificate, marked by numerous deviations from the faith and morals of the Church. In my own publications, as well as in those of other authors, one can find sufficient explanations documenting these apostatic deviations from the faith of the Church. All of this would have to be publicly corrected by an orthodox pope.
The hopes and prayers of the faithful, who experienced the last pontificate as a "poisoned nightmare," centered on the arrival of an orthodox pope after Francis who would steer the Church's ship back on the right course.
It is now necessary to examine whether Pope Leo XVI’s speeches and appointments to date are indications of a genuine change of course. This could only be demonstrated with concrete facts; otherwise, one would be moving on the shaky foundation of sentimental assumptions and hopes, which have no substance. A gentler tone and better manners, a more Catholic atmosphere, greater openness to Latin, and more frequent reference to certain aspects of the faith from a more Catholic perspective are not enough. The recent pontificate has made the faithful feel greatly relieved when they hear Catholic statements from Pope Leo, which is naturally expected of a pope. However, a partial return to "Catholic normality" is not yet an indication of the substantial change that would be necessary for the Church to free itself from the erroneous course on which it has been led.
Below, I will mention only a few points to determine whether a substantial change is truly beginning to emerge. It should be noted that I do not intend to dwell on the Catholic declarations being heard, as this should be the norm, and the Church's leadership is precisely there for that purpose. Nor is it my intention to seek out errors or focus on personal weaknesses. Rather, this is the existential question of whether the Church, under Leo XIV’s leadership, will once again conform to the Gospel and its own Tradition, or whether the anti-Christian spirit that has infiltrated it will continue to manifest itself.
In my daily meditations from May 29-31 of this year, I spoke about the crisis of mission in the Church. (https://en.elijamission.net)
In the May 31st address, I referred to Leo XIV’s speech to the ecumenical and interreligious delegations, and in that context I made the following observation:
“It is striking that, from the beginning of his pontificate, Leo XIV repeatedly refers to his predecessor, Francis. This should not only be understood as a gesture of courtesy and respect, but also demonstrates that he will continue the path that Francis had undertaken with the Church. Until now, in the frequent mentions and praise of Francis, there is not even the slightest critical distance from his pontificate and its misdeeds, and the emphasis on the synodal nature of the Church breathes the spirit of his predecessor.”
Another aspect to consider when identifying Pope Leo XIV’s leadership is his appointments:
• Monsignor Renzo Pegoraro, who for years served as chancellor of the Pontifical Academy for Life and holds a liberal stance on Bioethics, has been appointed director of the same institute. This appointment consolidates Francis’ legacy regarding the ambivalence of Vatican Bioethics. Pegoraro stated that artificial contraception, although intrinsically evil according to Catholic doctrine, could be permitted in certain cases. "The letter of the law" could be changed "to deepen its meaning and promote the values in question," he stated. Furthermore, Pegoraro argues that, in certain cases, euthanasia may be the lesser evil.
Father Beat Grögli, parish priest of the Cathedral of St. Gallen (Switzerland) and defender of the female priesthood, was confirmed by Leo XIV as the new bishop of that diocese. In a press conference following his appointment, Grögli stated: "The female priesthood will come." He has also expressed support for homosexual "blessings" and demanded that the Church adapt its doctrine on marriage, sexual morality, and contraception.
• Sister Tiziana Merletti was appointed by Leo XIV as secretary of the Dicastery for Consecrated Life. In this way, the new pope continues the personnel policies of his predecessor, Francis, who had already appointed a woman as prefect of the same dicastery, ignoring canon law, since such positions are reserved for bishops who have received special ordination for their ministry in the Church. Sister Tiziana Merletti has repeatedly warned against "entrenched models," spoken in favor of "synodal processes," and, in an interview, declared that she wants to "break the established framework."
CONCLUSION:
No substantial change in the direction of the new pontificate is yet in sight. Rather, what has happened so far clearly reflects the same direction as that of his predecessor. If this is confirmed in the coming weeks and months, then we will not only have a continuation of the previous evil, but a worsening of the situation, because it would be a confirmation of Francis's course, which could spread even further like a lethal poison throughout the Church.
Therefore, at this point, there is no reason to consider the emergency situation over and leave the "desert."
From the "Ecclesia in deserto" in Jerusalem,
Brother Elija