Pope Leo XIV leaves members of the Curia in office for the time being

The heads and employees of the Roman Curia may remain in office for the time being. This was decided by the new Pope Leo XIV, as announced by the Vatican on Friday. The Secretaries and Presidents of the Pontifical Commission for the Vatican City State will also retain their posts for the time being. The Holy Father is planning a time for reflection, prayer and dialogue before a final appointment or confirmation, the statement continued.

With the death of Pope Francis, most of the heads of authorities in the Vatican automatically lost their positions in accordance with canon law. The newly elected pope usually confirms them again "until further notice" at the beginning of his new term of office.

Robert Francis Prevost (69) was elected head of around 1.4 billion Catholics on Thursday. The long-time head of the Augustinian Order is the first native-born American to hold the office of Pope, and he also has Peruvian citizenship. Under his predecessor Francis, the 69-year-old headed the Vatican Dicastery for Bishops, effectively the personnel department of the universal church. He will have to fill this position again in any case. (KNA)