Spotlight on Pope Francis' leadership as church marks first anniversary
- 10 years ago
The Catholic church is marking the first anniversary of the election of Pope Francis.
Experts say there has been a big change in the style of the papal leadership, with a shift towards less pomp and ceremony and a focus on the poor.
But more progress is expected on key issues.
Robert Mickens, the Vatican correspondent for the international Catholic newspaper The Tablet, said: “I think there are probably two issues that the Pope is going to have to address. The first is the sexual abuse of children by priests. The Pope has been very quiet on this and I think people are looking for a response.
“And the second is the issue of women, because he has talked a lot about women having decision-making roles in the church and up until now he hasn’t brought any woman into any significant place in the Vatican.”
The pope has appointed a committee of cardinals to look into reforming Vatican administration, and he has appointed commissions to advise on how to deal with scandals over finances and abuse.
Experts say there has been a big change in the style of the papal leadership, with a shift towards less pomp and ceremony and a focus on the poor.
But more progress is expected on key issues.
Robert Mickens, the Vatican correspondent for the international Catholic newspaper The Tablet, said: “I think there are probably two issues that the Pope is going to have to address. The first is the sexual abuse of children by priests. The Pope has been very quiet on this and I think people are looking for a response.
“And the second is the issue of women, because he has talked a lot about women having decision-making roles in the church and up until now he hasn’t brought any woman into any significant place in the Vatican.”
The pope has appointed a committee of cardinals to look into reforming Vatican administration, and he has appointed commissions to advise on how to deal with scandals over finances and abuse.