Assessing Challenges Ahead Of New Catholic Pontiff In Reforming The Church And Promoting Global Peace

On Thursday, May 8, 2025, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, an Augustinian missionary, was elected the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church and appeared on the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.

The 69-year-old priest, known as Pope Leo XIV, became the first American pontiff in history.

In his first remarks as Pope from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, he called for peace and paid tribute to the late Pope Francis to a cheering crowd.

As Pope Leo XIV takes over the headship of the Catholic Church, there are high expectations for the first American pontiff to continue the reformist legacy of his predecessor, the late Pope Francis.

With his global pastoral experience and dedication to serving the poor and vulnerable, there is strong hope that he will bring renewed energy and focus to the Church.

To reform the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV will, among other things, take a clear stand on controversial issues such as transgender rights and same-sex marriage and focus on promoting transparency and accountability, especially in light of recent scandals in the universal Church.

Regarding internal matters of the Church, Pope Leo XIV should also prioritise efforts to promote inclusivity and diversity within the Church, reaching out to marginalised communities worldwide and listening to their needs.

When it comes to relating to other Christian denominations and people of other faiths, Pope Leo XIV has to emphasise dialogue, understanding, and cooperation.

Building bridges with other religious groups and promoting interfaith harmony will be crucial in fostering peace and unity in a diverse world.

In terms of global conflicts, Pope Leo XIV can play a key role, like his predecessors, in promoting peace and reconciliation among warring factions.

There is also an urgent need for intervention in the numerous ongoing conflicts worldwide that have not been successfully addressed by world leaders and the United Nations.

These include conflicts in the Middle East, North Africa, Eastern Europe, such as the conflict in Ukraine, and ongoing conflicts in regions like Darfur, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Horn of Africa.

For instance, in Eastern Europe, the conflict in Ukraine, fuelled by Russia’s invasion, has been a major focus for the UN and world leaders, including a recent intervention by the Trump administration struggling to mediate a resolution which remains elusive.

Elsewhere, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in Gaza, the Syrian Civil War, the Yemeni Civil War, and the broader regional proxy conflicts involving Iran and Israel are all examples of ongoing conflicts where the UN and world leaders have struggled to achieve lasting peace without success.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, conflicts in regions like Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Horn of Africa continue to pose significant challenges despite international intervention efforts.

In Asia, Myanmar’s ongoing civil war, India and Pakistan are also locked in a war and the conflict in the Philippines are examples of conflicts that have persisted for decades, with limited success in achieving peace through international intervention.

It is also disturbing that numerous long-standing conflicts, such as those in Colombia, Western Sahara, and others, have endured for decades, highlighting the difficulty in finding lasting solutions.

While some of these conflicts may be fuelled by deep-seated political and ideological differences, others are simply exacerbated by internal divisions, weak governance, and human rights abuses, making it challenging for the UN and other external actors to intervene effectively in order to find common ground and impose effective sanctions.

This explains why the role of the Pope in finding solutions to these conflicts as a neutral figure becomes imperative. This is because experience has shown that the involvement of major powers in some conflicts can create obstacles to peaceful resolution, as each country may prioritise its own interests.

After all, several Popes in the past have been instrumental in addressing significant global issues and conflicts to varying degrees of success, ranging from Pope Benedict XV to Pope John Paul II.

By using his influence and moral authority, Pope Leo XIV can advocate for non-violent conflict resolution, address social injustices, and work towards a more peaceful and just world for all.

In conclusion, Pope Leo XIV faces a monumental task ahead of him, with expectations of making a positive impact on the Catholic Church and the world at large.

This explains why the world should offer firm prayers and support to his efforts for a more peaceful and harmonious future, as his efforts alone cannot achieve the desired results.