What happens now with Pope Francis’s “unfinished business”?

Javier Ferrer García

Financial transparency, reform of the Curia, and interventions in movements: the pending challenges of the pontificate

Pope Francis’s pontificate has been marked by his call for an “outgoing Church,” with significant reforms in areas such as pastoral care, integral ecology, and a focus on the poor. However, several key issues remain open, generating expectations and, in some cases, criticism. We analyze the most relevant pending issues.

1. Financial transparency and economic reforms

One of Pope Francis’s major commitments has been to clean up Vatican finances. Although important steps have been taken—such as the creation of the Secretariat for the Economy and the approval of anti-money laundering laws—challenges remain.

• The case of the Institute for Works of Religion (IOR): Despite audits and controls, questions remain about its operation.

• The London scandal (Purchase of the Chelsea building): This case, which involved multimillion-dollar losses, remains under investigation and has called into question the effectiveness of internal controls.

• Full implementation of transparency regulations: While measures have been introduced, some experts call for greater rigor in their application.

2. The reform of the Roman Curia: Has the “Praedicate Evangelium” delivered?

The Apostolic Constitution Praedicate Evangelium (2022) sought to modernize the Curia, giving greater weight to the laity and restructuring dicasteries. However:

Internal resistance persists: Some conservative sectors view these reforms with suspicion.

• Decentralization is still underway: The Pope has promoted greater synodality, but the effectiveness of these changes remains to be evaluated.

3. Interventions in ecclesial movements and communities

The Pope has intervened in various groups—such as the Knights of Malta, the Community of St. John, and the Franciscans of the Immaculate Conception—seeking greater alignment with doctrine and avoiding deviations.

• Decentralization Authoritarianism or necessary correction?: Some accuse the Vatican of acting with little clarity in these processes, while others argue that they are necessary to avoid divisions.

• Lack of public dialogue: In several cases, decisions have not been explained in detail, generating unrest.

4. Sexual abuse: Real progress or insufficient measures?

Although Francis has taken measures—such as the motu proprio “Vos estis lux mundi” (You are the world)—victims and experts call for:

• Greater accountability for bishops: There are still cases where transparency is questioned.

• More streamlined processes: Investigations often drag on, leaving victims waiting.

A pontificate under construction

Pope Francis has promoted profound changes, but several key issues remain unresolved. Financial transparency, curial reform, and the management of ecclesial movements are challenges that will require time and determination. As he himself has said: “Reform is a process, not an event.”

Javier Ferrer García

Source:

Catholic News – Exaudi