SPECIAL: Will the Pope go to heaven? Protestants understanding Roman Catholicism in a Post-Francis world
04/22/25 • 29 min
The death of Pope Francis marks a pivotal moment for Roman Catholics.
What does this transition mean for the future of Catholicism and how should Protestants respond?
From Vatican City, Leonardo Di Chirico offers a firsthand perspective on reactions in Rome, while Rachel Ciano provides historical context from Sydney.
Many Protestant leaders have referred to Francis as a "brother in Christ," but Francis's final public act—granting indulgences during Easter—epitomizes the theological chasm between Catholic and Protestant understandings of salvation.
His distinctive Marian devotion and frequent requests for prayers further highlight fundamental differences in how salvation is understood.
The contrast between Benedict XVI's emphasis on Roman doctrine and Francis's focus on Catholic universality reveals a pendulum swing in Roman Catholicism that will likely now swing back.
Leonardo di Chirico is pastor of the Church Brecca di Roma and director of the Reformanda Initiative.
Rachel Ciano lectures in Christianity and History at sydney missionary and bible college, and is part of the faculty at the Rome scholars and leaders network, hosted by The Reformanda Initiative.
Reach Australia National Conference
Reach Australia’s National Conference is from 19 to 22 May 2025 on the Central Coast of NSW. This year’s theme is URGENT: The Necessary Task of Mission Before Christ Returns. For more info.
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Dominic Steele's preaching at Village
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The death of Pope Francis marks a pivotal moment for Roman Catholics.
What does this transition mean for the future of Catholicism and how should Protestants respond?
From Vatican City, Leonardo Di Chirico offers a firsthand perspective on reactions in Rome, while Rachel Ciano provides historical context from Sydney.
Many Protestant leaders have referred to Francis as a "brother in Christ," but Francis's final public act—granting indulgences during Easter—epitomizes the theological chasm between Catholic and Protestant understandings of salvation.
His distinctive Marian devotion and frequent requests for prayers further highlight fundamental differences in how salvation is understood.
The contrast between Benedict XVI's emphasis on Roman doctrine and Francis's focus on Catholic universality reveals a pendulum swing in Roman Catholicism that will likely now swing back.
Leonardo di Chirico is pastor of the Church Brecca di Roma and director of the Reformanda Initiative.
Rachel Ciano lectures in Christianity and History at sydney missionary and bible college, and is part of the faculty at the Rome scholars and leaders network, hosted by The Reformanda Initiative.
Reach Australia National Conference
Reach Australia’s National Conference is from 19 to 22 May 2025 on the Central Coast of NSW. This year’s theme is URGENT: The Necessary Task of Mission Before Christ Returns. For more info.
Anglican Aid
Anglican Aid - To find out more about how to support Anglican Aid.
The Church Co
A website and app platform built specifically for churches: http://www.thechurchco.com
Dominic Steele's preaching at Village
Subscribe to Dominic Steele's weekly sermons from the Village Church website.
--
Become a regular financial supporter of The Pastor's Heart via Patreon.
Previous Episode
Obeying God or the Government? NSW Conversion Practices Law with Neil Foster, Michael Stead & Simon Swadling
New South Wales’ Conversion Practices Ban Act has just come into effect — along with guidelines from Anti-Discrimination NSW that many Christian leaders believe overstep the legal boundaries and impact ordinary pastoral ministry.
We are joined by legal expert Associate Professor Neil Foster, South Sydney Bishop Michael Stead, and Summer Hill Anglican Assistant Minister Simon Swadling.
Together, we unpack the implications of the new law for Christian preaching, prayer, counselling, and discipleship — especially in matters of sexuality, marriage, and gender.
We discuss:
- The difference between the legislation and the government’s explanatory materials
- The implications for pastors, parents, and churches
- The tone and posture of faithful gospel ministry in a hostile legal environment
- Why some pastors are calling for civil disobedience — and others for restraint
Reach Australia National Conference
Reach Australia’s National Conference is from 19 to 22 May 2025 on the Central Coast of NSW. This year’s theme is URGENT: The Necessary Task of Mission Before Christ Returns. For more info.
Anglican Aid
Anglican Aid - To find out more about how to support Anglican Aid.
The Church Co
A website and app platform built specifically for churches: http://www.thechurchco.com
Dominic Steele's preaching at Village
Subscribe to Dominic Steele's weekly sermons from the Village Church website.
--
Become a regular financial supporter of The Pastor's Heart via Patreon.
The Pastor's Heart with Dominic Steele - SPECIAL: Will the Pope go to heaven? Protestants understanding Roman Catholicism in a Post-Francis world
Transcript
It is the pastor's heart , and Dominic Steele in a special edition . Now Pope Francis is dead . How should Protestants react ? And what next for Roman Catholicism ? Leonardo Di Chirico is with us on the line from Vatican City and Rachel Ciano is with me here in Sydney . Leonardo is pastor of the church Breccia di Roma and director of the Reformanda Institute . Rachel lectures in Ch
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