Pope Leo XIV takes pause before reshuffling Vatican hierarchy
Pope Leo XIV, the day after his election, decided to temporarily retain the current heads of the offices of the Roman Curia and the Vatican State in their positions.
What do you need to know?
- Pope Leo XIV has opted to temporarily keep the current heads of the offices of the Roman Curia and the Vatican State in place.
- The Press Office of the Holy See announced that the Pope desires time for reflection, prayer, and dialogue before initiating any changes.
- According to the apostolic constitution 'Universi Dominici Gregis' by John Paul II, the mandates of the heads of the Vatican dicasteries expire upon the Pope's passing.
Why did Pope Leo XIV make such a decision?
Pope Leo XIV, following his election at the conclave, chose to temporarily retain the current heads of the Roman Curia and Vatican State offices and institutions. "His Holiness Leo XIV has expressed the wish that the Heads and Members of the Institutions of the Roman Curia, as well as the Secretaries and the President of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State, provisionally continue in their respective offices donec aliter provideatur," stated the Press Office of the Holy See.
What are Pope Leo XIV's further plans?
The Holy Father seeks time for reflection, prayer, and dialogue before making any appointments or granting definitive approvals for positions. "The Holy Father wishes, in fact, to reserve a certain time for reflection, prayer and dialogue, before any definitive appointment or confirmation," was explained in the communication.
According to the regulations of the apostolic constitution 'Universi Dominici Gregis' by John Paul II, upon the Pope's death, the mandates of the heads of Vatican dicasteries, the Secretary of State of the Holy See, and members of most councils and commissions expire.
