Pope Criticizes Vatican: "Exercise of Power and Pursuit of Self-Interest Rarely Change"

Pope Leo XIV Delivers Christmas Message
"Disappointed by Unchanging Power Dynamics in the Vatican"
Addresses Solutions for Declining Number of Priests

Pope Leo XIV delivered a stern message to Vatican leaders ahead of Christmas. According to Yonhap News on December 22 (local time), citing AFP and AP, the Pope remarked in a speech to Vatican officials that he is "disappointed to witness the persistent dynamics in the Vatican, such as the exercise of power, the desire to rise above others, and the pursuit of self-interest, which rarely seem to change."

Pope Leo XIV criticized Vatican leaders ahead of Christmas. On the 20th (local time), the Pope greeted attendees at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican. Photo by EPA Yonhap News

According to Yonhap News, the Pope stated, "We must ask ourselves whether it is possible to become friends in the Vatican, and whether we can form genuine brotherly friendships," adding, "In true friendship, no one is excluded or unsupported, and each person's value and abilities are respected." He continued, "We are witnessing a rise in aggression and anger, which are being exploited both in the digital sphere and in politics, in a world wounded by discord, violence, and conflict." The Pope emphasized, "Christmas invites everyone to strive for peace and universal brotherhood."

Former Pope Francis also sharply criticized the Vatican in his past Christmas addresses. He once described Vatican clergy as suffering from "spiritual Alzheimer's," "the cancer of cliques," "the corruption of ambition," and "pointless, self-centered gossip."

Meanwhile, the Pope also addressed the issue of declining priest numbers. According to Fides, a missionary news agency that publishes Vatican statistics, the number of priests worldwide in 2023 was 406,996, a decrease of 734 from the previous year. The total was 415,348 in 2013, but the downward trend has continued since 2015.

The Pope identified distrust stemming from clergy sexual abuse scandals, loneliness, and economic hardship as causes of the decline in priest numbers. He particularly stressed that bishops should consider various measures for community life to help priests overcome isolation and loneliness, and to promote economic equality between priests serving in poor and wealthy dioceses. He also urged improvements in seminary education standards to enable priests to continue their pastoral duties. The Pope stated, "We must have the courage to make strong and proactive proposals to encourage young people to consider a vocation to the priesthood."

The Pope plans to convene a consistory, a meeting of cardinals from around the world, at the Vatican for two days from January 7 to 8 next year. This meeting coincides with the end of the 2025 Jubilee year and will be the first official meeting presided over by Leo XIV since his election as Pope in May. The consistory serves as an opportunity for cardinals to advise the Pope on matters of faith and church governance and is sometimes held alongside the appointment of new cardinals. However, according to the Vatican, this meeting will focus exclusively on church issues without any personnel appointments. Since his inauguration in May, the Pope has primarily focused on meetings with pilgrimage groups, youth Jubilee events, and addressing unfinished tasks from the tenure of former Pope Francis.