Q376 – Is It Fair To Evaluate a Pope’s Legacy Based on the Bishops He Appoints or Keeps in Positions of Power?

Interview Organization: Confraternity of Our Lady of Fatima
Interviewer Name: Christopher P. Wendt
Date: July 13, 2025
Though Pope Leo’s pontificate is still new, some early appointments have raised concerns. We must give him time, but also pray he becomes more cautious and discerning in selecting candidates. It's better to leave a diocese vacant than appoint someone questionable, which could harm the Church spiritually and pastorally.
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Of course, it's still very early in his pontificate it has only just begun so we must give him some time to evaluate the situation. It is early. However, there have already been some appointments made by Pope Leo that have caused concern regarding the candidates.

Therefore, we pray for him that he will become more aware and careful, even, I would say, scrupulous in the selection of candidates. It would be better not to appoint anyone at all, but rather to wait and leave a diocese without a bishop for a considerable time. That would be spiritually healthier and better for the entire Church than appointing a compromise or dubious candidate.

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