As the white smoke dissipates, Leo XIV isn’t exactly Francis 2.0
GUEST COLUMN, J. Basil Dannebohm
Catholics and non-Catholics alike are riding high on emotions over two words: "Habemus papam." (We have a pope.) However, once the honeymoon is over and reality sets in, enthusiasm for Pope Leo XIV will likely subside as some supporters of the papal concept, particularly non-Catholics, discover he isn't ‘exactly’ a carbon copy of Francis.
The new leader of the Catholic Church reportedly aligns very close to the late Pope Francis’ social views regarding the environment, outreach to the poor, the dignity of migrants, and being a shepherd who meets people on their level. As a Cardinal, the newly elected pontiff supported his predecessor's change in pastoral practice, allowing divorced and civilly remarried Catholics to receive Holy Communion.
