Modernist eulogy for the Francis Pontificate. Relentless nostalgia without remorse.

There are those who have long dreamed of burying Francis's papacy as soon as possible and in the most radical way possible. The rigorists want to leave no trace, not even the scent, of Francis's springtime. For them, Bergoglio's pontificate was an uncomfortable parenthesis, an accident without continuity that should be erased from the ecclesial memory.

Everything about Francis bothered them: his actions, his words, his style, his gestures, his way of being. But above all, his prophetic parrhesia, that evangelical courage that led him to openly denounce the pyramidal, patriarchal, and clerical Church, which the rigorists yearn for and which the Second Vatican Council already began to overthrow.

Francis was not afraid to call things by their name, to open windows and doors, to let in the fresh air of the Gospel and mercy, to denounce the machinations of the Curia, and to admonish high-ranking clerics who had become officials of the sacred.

That is why, now, the rigorists are trying to turn his pontificate into a mere parenthesis, a summer storm, an episode to be forgotten. But Francis was a Great Pope, and his mark is indelible. His pontificate marked the Church forever, directing it toward mercy, toward the Gospel, toward a Samaritan and outward-looking Church, as the Nazarene dreamed of.

Without compelling reasons or substantive arguments to obscure Francis's legacy, the rigorists seek to influence his successor, Leo XIV, and draw him toward their theses. They fail, but they cling to any trace of evidence—the use of a mozzetta, a vacation in Castel Gandolfo, the fact that he lets them kiss his ring—to exalt him and place him on their dark playing field.

They dream of a return to the episcopal aristocracy, to the high and low post-Tridentine clergy, to the pyramidal Church, to "doctrine, doctrine," to law and order, to Canon Law, and to non-negotiable principles.

But the holy people of God have already tasted the flavor of a Church that is home to all and the aroma of mercy, the reason for the Church's existence and the essential mandate of Jesus. There is no turning back. Even less so to the clericalism preached by the rigorists. The Spirit blew strongly with Francis, and its breeze lives on, because the Gospel cannot be buried or silenced, no matter how hard some try.

Leo XIV's Signals to Consolidate His Leadership in the Face of Rigorist Pressures

1. Strategic and prudent continuity in the Curia

In his first days, Leo XIV opted to provisionally retain all the Roman Curia officials appointed by Francis. This decision, far from being a simple transition, is interpreted as a clear message of stability and respect for Bergoglio's reformist legacy, avoiding abrupt moves that could be interpreted as concessions to the most rigorist sectors. The Pope has emphasized that he will take time to reflect, pray, and engage in dialogue before making definitive changes, which reinforces his image as a prudent and dialoguing leader.

2. Defence of Francis' Legacy

From his first speech, Leo XIV has shown an explicit closeness to Francis' pontificate, both in tone and substance. He has emphasized the importance of peace, social justice, and inclusion, pillars of the previous pontificate, and has asked permission to offer the same blessing that Francis gave in his last appearance. This gesture is interpreted as an unequivocal sign of continuity and protection of Bergoglian legacy against those who desire a conservative shift.

3. Election and confirmation of key figures

Leo XIV's leadership will be judged, above all, by the names he chooses for his trusted team in the Curia. Keeping Víctor Manuel "Tucho" Fernández at the head of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith is a clear sign of resistance to restorationist pressures and defense of the theological heart of Francis's reformist project. The permanence of other key positions, such as Secretary of State Parolin and Prefect of Consecrated Life Simona Brambilla, will also be watched as a barometer of the direction of the Pontificate.

4. Symbolic gestures and communication

Leo XIV combined gestures of continuity with elements of tradition, such as wearing more classic papal attire in his first appearance, which indicates a desire to unite reformist sensibilities with respect for tradition. His communicative style, marked by self-control and serenity, reinforces his authority and conveys confidence in the face of internal pressures.

5. Focus on synodality and listening

The Pope has reiterated his commitment to synodality and dialogue, central elements of Francis' legacy. He has expressed his intention to listen to all sectors of the Church, but without giving in to the pressure of those who seek to reverse the advances in openness and mercy. This approach reinforces his leadership as guarantor of a Church that is more humble, closer, and open to the world. "Synodality becomes a mentality, in the heart, in decision-making processes, and in ways of acting," he just proclaimed before the Italian bishops.

6. Clear message to the rigorists

Leo XIV, by consolidating his leadership, sends the message that there will be no turning back on essential reforms and that the Church will not return to clerical or pyramidal models. His commitment is to a Church that is a home for all, faithful to the Gospel and mercy, resisting the attempts of the most conservative sectors to turn Francis's pontificate into a parenthesis without continuity.

In short, Leo XIV's signs are of strategic prudence, reformist continuity, and firmness in dialogue, consolidating his leadership in the face of rigorist pressures without renouncing his own imprint.

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Modernists insist that the Church should listen while refusing to listen to Her teaching as the Mother and Teacher of all nations in the matters of Faith and morals. Ironic. @BruvverEccles @ProtecttheFaith @Synod_va pic.twitter.com/BjDaFdKlhL

— Catholic Conclave (@cathconclave) June 21, 2025