Pope will try to bounce the Church into ordaining women as he has little time left, according to theologian

"If he wants to change something, then he has to start it now"

Hoff: Pope sets the pace - pontificate "turns on the last bend"

With Víctor Fernández, "room for maneuver" became apparent that his predecessor still considered out of the question, writes the fundamental theologian Gregor Maria Hoff. The "old regime" of the religious authorities is about to end - but that's not enough.

The Salzburg fundamental theologian Gregor Maria Hoff sees the Pope's recent personnel decisions as an acceleration of his plans. "His pontificate is turning the last corner. If he still wants to change something, then he has to do it now," writes Hoff in a guest article for the Zeit supplement "Christ und Welt" (Thursday). With his current personnel policy, Francis is relying on "speeding up".

With the appointment of the Argentinian Víctor Manuel Fernández to the head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, "there is room for manoeuvre", according to the theologian, especially with regard to demands for reform such as the ordination of women. His predecessors considered the office question for women to be out of the question. With Fernández, the old regime of the faith authorities is now at the end. He will arrive in Rome in time for the start of the World Synod to accompany them as Prefect. "In the pontifical endgame, Francis brought a confidante to Rome with whom perspectives for the future are connected," writes Hoff.

However, the theologian calls for even more far-reaching personnel decisions: "As long as traditionally rigid curials decide in authorities such as the educational congregation, nothing will change except for the names of their leaders." The new prefect of the Department of Faith will also feel this. In addition, further systemic changes are needed, writes Hoff. As an example, the theology professor cited the church's handling of cases of abuse. The fact that Francis assured the new prefect that, as head of the religious authority, he would not have to take care of the abuse section in his house suggests that there is a lack of "a thoroughgoing awareness of the problem". However, clerical abuse and a cover-up are responsible for the church's dwindling credibility. Further systemic consequences are needed to get the Roman Catholic Church out of the "worst crisis since the Reformation," writes Hoff. 

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