New Pope Leo XIV delays curia shake-up for reflection time
Just a day after his election, Pope Leo XIV has decided to temporarily retain the current heads of the Roman Curia and the Vatican City State.
What do you need to know?
- Pope Leo XIV has opted to keep the existing leaders of the Roman Curia and the Vatican City State in their roles for the time being.
- The Holy See Press Office stated that the pope wants to allow time for reflection, prayer, and dialogue before making any changes.
- According to the apostolic constitution "Universi Dominici Gregis" by John Paul II, the mandates of Vatican dicastery leaders end with the pope's passing.
Why did Pope Leo XIV make this decision?
Following his election at the conclave, Pope Leo XIV decided to keep the current heads of the Roman Curia and the Vatican City State in place temporarily. "His Holiness Leo XIV has expressed the wish that the Heads and Members of the Institutions of the Roman Curia, as well as the Secretaries and the President of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State, provisionally continue in their respective offices donec aliter provideatur," stated the Press Office of the Holy See.
What are Pope Leo XIV's further plans?
The Holy Father intends to provide a period for reflection, prayer, and dialogue before making any appointments or confirming positions permanently. "The Holy Father wishes, in fact, to reserve a certain time for reflection, prayer and dialogue, before any definitive appointment or confirmation," - was explained in the statement.
According to the apostolic constitution "Universi Dominici Gregis" by John Paul II, upon the pope's death, the mandates of the Vatican dicasteries' superiors, the Secretary of State of the Holy See, and most council and commission members expire.
