Church, Interrupted

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Pope Francis is ready to embrace significant change within the Catholic Church, even if it means facing collapse as a means of purification. He acknowledges the possibility of being remembered as the one who split the Church, yet envisions a more empathetic and welcoming institution for Catholics. John Cornwell, a bestselling author and scholar, argues that the Pope's disruptive approach is a calculated risk aimed at restoring hope for many Catholics who feel marginalized and disillusioned. With 1.2 billion members, the Church is facing a crisis, as evidenced by a 2018 survey revealing that over a third of American Catholics were considering leaving. Financially, the Church has lost approximately $2.5 billion annually over the past two decades due to clerical abuse cases. Declines in attendance, marriages, and vocations further illustrate the discontent. Cornwell posits that Pope Francis seeks to counteract this decline by challenging long-standing traditions and practices, despite the chaos it may create. His efforts have met resistance from conservative factions within the Church, who fear the long-term implications of his reforms. While some hope for a successor to reverse the "Francis Effect," Cornwell asserts that the changes initiated by the Pope are likely irreversible.