The Reforms of the Church Under Pope Francis: What Has Changed Since 2013

Since his election in 2013, Pope Francis has marked a turning point in the history of the Catholic Church by implementing significant reforms that have reshaped the way the Church interacts with the modern world. While his commitment to the poor and marginalized is well known, his reforms have also profoundly impacted the internal governance of the Church, including the Roman Curia and the handling of sexual abuse scandals.

1. Reform of the Roman Curia: A Step Toward Greater Transparency

One of Pope Francis's first notable reforms was the restructuring of the Roman Curia. The Curia, the central governing body of the Church, had long been criticized for its lack of transparency and bureaucratic inefficiency. The pope introduced a series of measures aimed at improving financial management, increasing transparency, and reforming the administrative structures.

With the creation of the Secretariat for the Economy, Francis sought to streamline the Church's finances and put an end to scandals of financial mismanagement. Audits were conducted to identify irregularities, and greater transparency was demanded from the Church's financial institutions.

2. Liturgical and Theological Reforms: A Bridge Between Tradition and Modernity

Pope Francis has also initiated liturgical and theological reforms, promoting a return to simplicity and a focus on closeness with the faithful. He emphasized the importance of mercy and love for one's neighbor, often at the expense of more dogmatic or rigid aspects of traditional Catholicism. He has encouraged the Church to open up more to dialogue with other religions, particularly Islam and Judaism.

3. Handling Sexual Abuse Scandals: A Necessary but Controversial Reform

One of the biggest challenges Pope Francis faced was handling the sexual abuse scandals that have tarnished the Church's image. Although his reforms have helped improve the management of abuse cases, with the creation of a Vatican court to judge crimes, the issue of total transparency and justice remains a subject of debate. The pope has introduced stricter frameworks for bishops involved in abuse cases, but some believe the reforms are still moving too slowly.

4. The Role of Women in the Church: A Progressive Step

Under Pope Francis, the Church has also revisited the role of women in its institutions. While the ordination of women remains a sensitive topic, the pope has made significant gestures, including appointing women to important positions within the Vatican, thereby increasing their influence in decision-making.

Conclusion: A Bridge Between Tradition and Reform

The reforms initiated by Pope Francis have transformed many aspects of the Catholic Church. Whether in the internal management of the Curia, the handling of sexual abuse, or the promotion of mercy and interreligious dialogue, these changes have marked a turning point. However, while significant progress has been made, many questions remain, and the road to true reform continues.