Guiding 1.4 billion believers: Five complex challenges for Pope Leo XIV’s leadership

Neil Gregori Garen
2 days ago
3 min read

How does one lead a 2,000-year-old institution in a rapidly changing, often skeptical world? What happens when spiritual authority meets institutional crises too complex for tradition alone to resolve?

With the historic election of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, the Catholic Church enters a new era. The 69-year-old Michigan-born canon lawyer and former missionary brings with him years of experience in pastoral leadership and Church governance, most recently as prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Bishops. He spent nearly two decades in Peru as a missionary bishop, where he became known for his pastoral sensitivity and connection with marginalized communities. His leadership style is shaped by a blend of Latin American pastoral theology and North American organizational discipline.

Can Pope Leo XIV rebuild trust after scandals?

Few challenges weigh as heavily on the Catholic Church as the unresolved trauma of clergy sexual abuse. Decades of revelations have shaken the moral authority of Church leaders, and despite reforms, accountability remains uneven across dioceses and continents.

Survivors continue to demand not only justice, but a deep cultural reckoning long overdue.

For Pope Leo XIV, the question is not just how to address past wrongs, but how to rebuild trust in the present—within the Church and beyond it. How can he make a meaningful global impact when so many local churches still struggle with silence and delay? And how can a faith that preaches healing offer a credible voice in the wider moral landscape if it cannot fully confront its own failures?

The world, not only the faithful, will be watching.

Navigating doctrinal debates in an era of culture wars

The Catholic Church today stands at a crossroads—torn between tradition and transformation. In some regions, bishops call for a return to strict orthodoxy; in others, parishes advocate for greater inclusion and moral reform, particularly on issues like LGBTQ+ acceptance and women’s roles in the Church. These tensions aren't just theological—they're deeply cultural, reflecting the shifting values of a global and diverse flock.

Pope Leo XIV inherits the delicate task of reconciling centuries-old doctrine with the lived realities of modern believers. But if the Church itself struggles to find unity within its walls, how can it convincingly preach reconciliation in a world fractured by war, ideology, and social division?

Fixing the Vatican’s financial and administrative integrity

For years, the Vatican’s finances have been criticized for their opacity, mismanagement, and, at times, scandal. Pope Francis initiated sweeping reforms to bring greater transparency and accountability to the Church’s financial operations—efforts that have been praised but also met with resistance.

Now, under Pope Leo XIV, the task shifts from restructuring to proving that the Church can be a credible and competent steward of both its spiritual mission and material wealth. If these reforms lose momentum or are implemented too softly, the consequences could go beyond balance sheets—risking an erosion of global trust and influence that the Holy See has spent centuries building.

Reclaiming relevance in a digitally distracted age

The challenge of remaining relevant in a fast-changing world isn't new—Pope Benedict XVI had already pushed the Church into the digital sphere, launching the Vatican’s Twitter presence and laying early groundwork for online evangelization. But in today's hyperconnected landscape, that initial effort is no longer enough.

Religious affiliation continues to decline, especially in traditionally Catholic regions like Europe and North America. To connect with younger generations, Pope Leo XIV will need to move beyond traditional preaching and invest in more meaningful, authentic digital engagement—one that speaks their language and competes with every other belief system and ideology just a swipe away.

Leading the Church Through Global Crises

Can a spiritual leader still sway political action in a world of hardened ideologies? Does the voice of the papacy still have the power to influence global decisions for the common good?

Whether it's calling for peace in war-torn regions, championing climate justice, or standing with migrants and refugees, the pope is expected to be a moral compass on the world stage. Pope Leo XIV inherits this role at a time when nationalism is surging, authoritarianism is reshaping democracies, and environmental collapse looms ever closer. The question is no longer whether the Church speaks—but whether the world still listens. The challenge ahead lies in translating timeless values into urgent, coordinated action that resonates beyond Vatican walls.