The New York Times reports on the challenges facing Pope Francis' papacy.
Battles over doctrine and liturgy continue, with conflicts between the traditionalist Latin Mass community and liberal German bishops.
There are also accusations of sex abuse amongst well-connected clerics, highlighting the need for further reforms.
In addition, there are concerns over a drop in the number of men studying for the priesthood worldwide, as well as financial issues resulting in the Vatican charging higher rents to cardinals.
The New York Times explores the challenges facing Pope Francis on the 10th anniversary of his papacy.
One conflict currently underway is the battle over liturgy and doctrine, with the Vatican attempting to curtail the traditional Latin Mass community, while also restraining the liberal German bishops from pushing a schism on Catholicism's leftward flank.
Regarding the sex abuse scandals, there have been accusations against well-connected clerics such as the Jesuit priest-artist, Father Marko Rupnik, who seems to have escaped the accountability measures put in place by the Vatican.
Despite numerous reforms, the church is still grappling with the issue of sex abuse within its ranks.
Additionally, there has been a worrying decrease in the number of men studying for the priesthood worldwide, which peaked at the beginning of Francis' pontificate and has been declining ever since.
The Church is struggling to find ways to generate enthusiasm for the priesthood and encourage the next generation of men to take up the calling.
Finally, there are concerns over the Vatican's financial situation, with years of deficits leading to higher rents being charged to cardinals.
The Holy See has reported unprecedented income losses during the pandemic, with financial transparency and accountability still ongoing struggles.
While some see these issues as evidence of a troubled papacy, others view them simply as the normal struggles of any large, bureaucratic organization.