Today’s Church Needs a Renaissance Pope

Still, as tempting as it might be to yawn at the news of yet another synod, motu proprio, or “off-the-cuff remark” during Francis’ pontificate, Catholics should consider what these things are doing to the Christian community at large. Taken altogether, this utter vacuity has done more collective harm than any of the Vatican’s scandals or sympathies with leftist radicalism. Right now, the Church needs proud leaders devoted to preserving civilization and inspiring excellence. What it doesn’t need are pusillanimous demagogues committed to seeking approval, accommodating the marginalized, and insulating themselves from reality. As for grand displays of personal virtue and piety, these are secondary to the need for competence and confidence.