The Complexity of Assessing a Pontificate, by Dr. Jeff Mirus 

By Dr. Jeff Mirus, Catholic Culture, Jan 23, 2024

Jeffrey Mirus holds a Ph.D. in intellectual history from Princeton University. A co-founder of Christendom College, he also pioneered Catholic Internet services. He is the founder of Trinity Communications and CatholicCulture.org.

Along with the frustrations of the current pontificate for those most deeply committed to Catholic faith and morals, we do well to acknowledge not only the complexity of the papal job description but also the dangers of our own tunnel vision. In saying this, I am not retreating from my own assessment that the current pontificate has directly done more harm than good to the Church, nor from my position that we can still see God’s providence at work in the growing strength and commitment of bishops in many parts of the world who are extremely uncomfortable with the current Pope’s priorities, policies and pastoral vision.

I recently read that, according to Gallup, Pope Francis’ “approval rating” among Catholics in the United States is still as high as 77%, even though it is declining.  …

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