Pope Leo XIV on Reform, Finances and the Abuse Crisis

Rome, October 8, 2025 — In the latest part of her exclusive interview, Crux Senior Correspondent Elise Ann Allen spoke with Pope Leo XIV on his vision for Curia reform, Vatican finances, and the Church’s response to clerical abuse. The exchange appears in Allen’s biography León XIV: ciudadano del mundo, misionero del siglo XXI (Leo XIV: Citizen of the World, Missionary of the XXI Century), published in Spanish by Penguin Peru on 18 September, with English and Portuguese editions expected in early 2026.

Reforming the Curia

Pope Leo affirmed the value of Pope Francis’s reforms through Predicate Evangelium, which recast the Curia as a service both to the papacy and local bishops. He recalled how bishops often felt fearful when summoned to Rome, rather than seeing the Holy See as supportive.

“Predicate Evangelium provides the base,” he said, noting that it began fostering collaboration. Yet he criticised the entrenched “silo mentality,” where dicasteries worked in isolation. “There are many issues that actually touch on the areas of responsibility of two or more dicasteries. We have to find a way to bring people together,” he said, pledging to formalise structures for dialogue.

Vatican Finances

Addressing concerns about Vatican finances, Pope Leo rejected claims of crisis. He pointed to the 2024 APSA report showing a surplus of over €60 million. “Why are we crying about a crisis?” he asked, while recognising challenges such as pensions and pandemic losses.

Tourism, he noted, has revived Vatican income, especially through the Museums. At the same time, he cautioned against poor decisions such as the failed London property deal, though he credited Francis’s reforms for introducing tighter controls.

“The results are showing,” Pope Leo said, while stressing the need for clearer communication to inspire confidence among donors. “I’m not losing sleep over it,” he added, “but we do have to continue the process of reform that Francis began.”

Clerical Abuse Crisis

On the abuse crisis, the Pope was unequivocal: “I think this is a real crisis … the Church has to continue to address because it’s not solved.” He stressed the need for deep sensitivity toward victims, recognising their wounds can last a lifetime.

At the same time, he highlighted the rights of the accused. “Well over 90% of people who come forward are telling the truth. But there have also been proven cases of false accusation,” he said. Justice, he argued, requires protecting both sides, even if processes are lengthy.

He admitted the Church has not always handled victims’ testimonies well, calling for professional support in accompaniment. He also echoed Francis in warning that abuse must not overshadow the Church’s mission. “The vast majority of priests and bishops have never abused anyone,” he noted, while recognising that some survivors have left the Church entirely.

“Their choice has to be respected,” he said. “At the same time the Church also has a mission to preach the Gospel.”

Pope Leo acknowledged the challenge of balancing victims’ pain with wider pastoral duties: “It’s one more of the many challenges that I’m trying to find a way to deal with.”

Source : CRUX

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