Where they stand
Summary of Key Issues
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Ordaining Female Deacons
The Catholic Church teaches that only baptized men can validly receive Holy Orders as deacons, priests, or bishops — a position definitively stated by Pope St. John Paul II in his 1994 document Ordinatio Sacerdotalis. However, throughout Pope Francis’ pontificate pressure has been applied to allow the ordination of women as deacons, a move that critics believe to be a crucial step to allowing ordination of women as priests. Although Francis has publicly rejected the possibility, he has left the issue open for discussion.
Blessing Same-Sex Couples
Making Priestly Celibacy Optional
Pressure to make priestly celibacy optional has grown in recent decades partly because it has been seen as “unjust” for men, as a solution to shortages of priests, and to prevent the misbehaviour of priests. Supporters of the mandatory rule, which is a discipline based on Christ's example and a subsequent perennial tradition, argue that it brings many benefits to the Church, from allowing priests to fully dedicate themselves to God to reflecting their supernatural fatherhood as priests. Pope Francis has suggested that the rule can be revised and left the issue open for discussion.
Restricting the Vetus Ordo (Old Latin Mass)
In July 2021, Pope Francis issued Traditionis Custodes, a papal decree which imposed severe restrictions on the celebration of the Mass celebrated for centuries before the Second Vatican Council. In doing so, he abrogated Pope Benedict XVI’s 2007 decree Summorum Pontificum that had broadened access to the old Mass (vetus ordo). The controversial decree led to the closure of many thriving Latin Mass parishes, especially in the US, with many more under threat. Pope Francis insisted the restrictions were necessary to promote unity in the Church, especially as he believes some adherents of the old Mass are opposed to the Second Vatican Council. His eventual stated goal is to have just one form of the Latin rite, the novus ordo introduced in 1970.
Vatican-China Secret Accords
In September 2018, the Vatican signed a provisional secret agreement with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on the appointment of bishops. It came after decades of two parallel Catholic churches in China, one approved by the government, the other underground, persecuted by the CCP, and loyal to Rome. The agreement was aimed at resolving the divisions and improving Church relations with Beijing but has been widely criticized for compromising religious freedom, selling out Chinese Catholics, and not adequately protecting underground Catholics. The agreement, which is being renewed every two years, has so far had mixed results but has been renewed until at least 2028.
Promoting a “Synodal Church”
Pope Francis portrays synodality as central to the renewal and future of the Catholic Church, a way of journeying together, listening, of collaborative discernment, and being more participatory and inclusive. Having made his vision for a synodal Church clear in a pivotal 2015 speech, Francis has held a synod dedicated to synodality (2021-2024). Critics, however, say the concept is vague, undermines the Church’s hierarchical structure, has excluded conservative and traditional groups and, given manipulations of previous synods during this pontificate, may be being used to push for radical change of doctrine and morals. Proponents of synodality insist it is not about changing Church teaching, but rather finding new ways to live out the Church’s mission in today’s world.
Focusing on Climate Change
Pope Francis has made addressing climate change a priority of his pontificate, portraying it as a moral and ethical obligation directly tied to caring for God’s creation and protection of the most vulnerable. He dedicated his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’ to care for the environment. While many Church leaders have echoed his concerns, others say the emphasis exceeds the religious scope of the Church, question the Pope’s solutions, and doubt the science of climate change.
Reassessing Humanae Vitae
Pope Paul VI’s 1968 encyclical Humanae Vitae, that reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s teaching on use of artificial contraception as “intrinsically evil,” has been reassessed in recent years in light of Pope Francis suggesting a more flexible approach to its teaching in light of today’s complex personal situations. Some theologians, including the new leaders of the Pontifical Academy for Life, have insinuated the teaching is not infallible, and have explored the possibilities of change, prompting heated debates. Some see support or opposition for such a reassessment as a reliable indicator of faithfulness or dissent vis-à-vis the Church’s perennial magisterium.
Communion for Divorced & “Remarried”
In Chapter 8 of his 2016 apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia, Pope Francis controversially allowed some divorced and civilly remarried Catholics to receive Holy Communion on a case-by-case basis under certain circumstances and after a period of discernment. The Church had until then barred divorced and civilly remarried couples from receiving Holy Communion because, objectively, they are living in a state of adultery. Exceptions were made if they could live as “brother and sister.” Supporters embraced the change as inclusive and pastorally necessary due to the social complexities of today; critics said it was open to interpretation, potentially contradicted previous teaching on the indissolubility of marriage, and could lead couples to flout the moral law.
German “Synodal Way”
The 2019-2023 Synodal Way of the Catholic Church in Germany was held ostensibly in response to the clergy sexual abuse crisis and declining Church membership. Despite repeated and ongoing warnings from the Vatican, the process moved in a distinctly heterodox direction. It concluded with resolutions calling for changes to Church teaching and practice on issues such as same-sex blessings, ordaining women as deacons, allowing married priests, and revising teachings on homosexuality and sexual ethics. Participants of the Synodal Way claimed it was an expression of synodality; critics argued that it diverged from the universal Church’s teachings, and could lead to schism.
