Franz Müntefering Leaves Catholic Church Over Abuse Scandals

The Catholic Church faces ongoing challenges with clerical sexual abuse and financial corruption, issues that have persisted despite reforms initiated by Pope Francis and his predecessor, Benedict XVI. The recent conviction and appeal of Cardinal Angelo Becciu for financial crimes underscore the depth of these problems within the Vatican's leadership. As the Church prepares to elect a new pope, questions remain about whether the next pontiff can effectively address these scandals and continue the reform efforts. Pope Francis was initially seen as a courageous reformer who would clean up Vatican corruption while continuing the theological direction of his predecessors, but his twelve-year pontificate did not fully meet those expectations. Nonetheless, Francis's compassion for the marginalized improved the Church's global image, even as structural reforms remained incomplete. The new pope will inherit the daunting task of advancing both moral accountability and institutional transparency within the Church.