Pope election call: A daring Church is what we necessitate, says Kretschmann - Bold Pope Election Call: Church Needs Brave Leadership, According to Kretschmann
Winfried Kretschmann, Minister President of Baden-Württemberg, calls for a brave and bold Church, following the election of American Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV. Expressing his well wishes, he believes the new pontiff will tackle critical reforms and engage with pressing societal issues.
As the head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV faces a myriad of challenges. Freiburg Archbishop Stephan Burger highlights the significance of maintaining Francis' synodal approach, ensuring continuity within the Church and bridging connections with society.
Bishop Klaus Krämer of the Diocese of Rottenburg-Stuttgart acknowledges Robert Francis Prevost's deep faith, extensive experience in the Church, and his doctrinal alignment with Pope Francis. He anticipates new impulses will emanate from the new pope, bringing change to the universal Church.
Heike Springhart, Bishop of the Evangelical Church in Baden, sees the election as a positive development, emphasizing the need for bridge builders who foster unity among diverse groups. She praises Pope Leo XIV for starting his papacy with a peace greeting from the risen Christ.
The 69-year-old leaf from Stuttgart was chosen by more than 130 cardinals as Pope Francis' successor during the conclave on the second day of voting. Pope Leo XIV is the first pope to hail from the United States.
Church Challenges
While Pope Leo XIV's precise challenges aren't explicitly stated, every new pope confronts issues such as social justice, interfaith relations, secularism, and internal reform within the Church. Balancing tradition with modernization, owing to his name choice, presents a challenge for Leo XIV.
Global Reactions
The announcement of the new pope's election was declared from the central loggia of Saint Peter's Basilica. Detailed reactions from the global Church and its followers are expected as the new pope embarks on his ministry, setting the tone for his papacy.
Continuity with Pope Francis and Leo XIII
By choosing the name Leo XIV, Pope Leo XIV connects himself with the legacy left by Pope Leo XIII, recognized for his intellectual contributions to Catholic social teaching and engagement with the modern world. On the other hand, his middle name "Francis" mirrors the reformist and pastoral values championed by the current Pope Francis. Thus, Leo XIV may continue emphasizing pastoral care and social justice, while drawing inspiration from the doctrinal principles cemented by Leo XIII.
Pope Leo XIV emerges into a scenario requiring a leader who straddles tradition and modern challenges, embracing the essence of his predecessors while tackling contemporary problems that the Catholic Church encounters.
The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, considering Pope Leo XIV's focus on social justice and his commitment to emulating the reformist and pastoral values championed by Pope Francis.
As Winfried Kretschmann, Minister President of Baden-Württemberg, calls for a brave and bold Church, his call resonates with the need for such leadership in the global Church, especially with the unexpected political switch as the first pope to hail from the United States, Pope Leo XIV.
Bishop Klaus Krämer of the Diocese of Rottenburg-Stuttgart, acknowledges the doctrinal alignment of Pope Leo XIV with Pope Francis, hoping for new impulses that will bring continuity within the Church and bridge connections with society.
In the spirit of peace and caring for diverse groups, Heike Springhart, Bishop of the Evangelical Church in Baden, sees the election of Pope Leo XIV as a positive development, emphasizing the need for bridge builders who foster unity among diverse groups, similar to the diplomatic approach required in policymaking.
