Unless Pope Francis has been praying to Martin Luther for five weeks before his release from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, an extension for his reform movement is unlikely to raise cheers from the faithful. To be sure, if he wants to host more Synods on Synodality or encourage the laity to rebel against liberalizing cardinals or worldly archbishops, some might think a Lutheresque extension for him could help millions.

Notwithstanding, few see that on the horizon. The Pope who has supported numerous modernizing reforms (such as women possibly serving in the diaconate and more acceptance of LGBTQ unions) most likely views his recent victory over bilateral pneumonia as providing a new lease on life for at least three more years.

A week ago, he announced that he would not be stepping aside (as Benedict had) and that he was renewed in his interest in furthering reform. Many observant Catholics groaned although they couldn’t say so. If Pope Francis has his way for three more years, there will be accelerated agitation for modernization, culminating in a large conference planned for 2028. Spun as helping to push the “renewal of the Church toward a new missionary impulse,” this reform will probably move further away from received traditions in favor of accommodation to unbelief.

All this leads one to ask: is it really a good idea to have the church conform more to the world?

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David Hall | “Does Tradition Improve by Conforming?” | March 25, 2025

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Post authored by:

• David Hall

  

  Reverend David W. Hall is married to Ann, and they are parents of three grown children and grandparents of eight grandchildren. He has served as the Senior Pastor of Midway Presbyterian Church (PCA) since 2003. Previously, he served as Pastor of the Covenant Presbyterian Church in Oak Ridge, Tennessee (1984–2003) and as Associate Pastor at the First Presbyterian Church in Rome, Georgia (1980–1984). He was ordained to pastoral ministry in 1980. He was educated at Covenant Theological Seminary and is the editor and author of several volumes.

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