#church-politics

#church-politics

The new American pope, Leo XIV, has somehow managed, in the four months since his election, to stay mostly out of the news. His predecessor, Pope Francis, had been committed to expanding the church's modern appeal, reaching out to divorced and LGBTQ+ Catholics and expanding the church's identity beyond Europe. He made enemies along the way, cracking down on the traditional Latin Mass, which had become associated with dissident traditionalism.

Churches have the moral obligation to engage with social justice and political issues, as historical participation has shaped their existence. However, endorsing candidates risks divisiveness and detracts from spiritual missions.

The dynamics of a conclave are deeply mysterious, with votes shifting and fluctuating towards a single name, often not among the initial favorites.

Hippolytus, the first antipope, opposed Pope Callixtus I on theological grounds, aligning with rigorists before reconciling with Callixtus in exile.