Father Martin Meets the Pope: A Scandal, But Not a Surprise, by Phil Lawler

By Phil Lawler, Catholic Culture, Sep 03, 2025

Phil Lawler has been a Catholic journalist for more than 30 years. He has edited several Catholic magazines and written eight books. Founder of Catholic World News, he is the news director and lead analyst at CatholicCulture.org.  See full bio.

Many faithful Catholics were surprised and dismayed to learn that Pope Leo had met with Father James Martin, SJ, in a private audience last week. I share their dismay. But not their surprise.

We all knew, from the moment he was elected, that Pope Leo XIV would not repudiate the policies of his predecessor. He had worked closely with Pope Francis, who appointed him as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. By all accounts their relationship was friendly, with not a hint of conflict. While some of us might have wished for a new Pontiff who would immediately announce a series of policy changes, that was never in the cards. The conclave would not have chosen a cardinal likely to make abrupt reversals. ….

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