Gänswein expresses reservations about pace of reform

Archbishop Georg Gänswein, Benedict XVI’s long-serving secretary, has hinted that Pope Francis’ curial reforms are in danger of proceeding too fast, writes Christa Pongratz-Lippitt.

Archbishop Gänswein, who also serves Pope Francis as Prefect of the Papal Household, said the Church is not a simple canoe but a big ship that requires judicious, prudent and careful leadership. He made the remark in an interview on Deutsche Welle saying that Catholics had great expectations that Pope Francis would reform the Church.

“The word reform, in my opinion, is altogether too wide a term and therefore nebulous. It is, moreover, heavily charged historically and so in need of explanation,” said Gänswein.

The archbishop added that Francis had made it clear that he wants a missionary Church and, above all, a poor Church that goes out to the peripheries. He said he admired both the clarity with which Francis spoke and held his compassion in high regard. Although he maintained he had not observed anyone rowing against the current in the Vatican, Gänswein added: “It is possible that some people are having difficulties with the speed or the forcefulness with which Pope Francis acts.”