As the Catholic Church enters a new chapter under Pope Leo XIV, many within the charismatic renewal movement are feeling a renewed sense of hope.
After years of navigating mixed messages from Vatican leadership, leaders of the movement believe the tone is finally shifting toward greater support and unity.
From Uncertainty to Optimism
Shayne Bennett, a key figure in the Catholic charismatic world and director of mission and faith formation at the Holy Spirit Seminary in Brisbane, Australia, is one of those optimistic voices.
Speaking after a recent international gathering in Rome, he shared his belief that Pope Leo will be a strong ally to charismatics and other lay-led groups.
“I really believe Pope Leo will be very supportive of the renewal,” Bennett said.
“Back in his home diocese in Peru, we know he was already backing the charismatic renewal. That gives us a lot of confidence going forward.”
A Crucial Meeting in Rome
Bennett’s comments came at the close of a four-day meeting (June 9–12) hosted by CHARIS—the Catholic Charismatic Renewal International Service, a Vatican-based umbrella group created under Pope Francis to coordinate charismatic efforts globally.
Bennett currently serves as coordinator for CHARIS’s commission of communities.
The Rome meeting served as a checkpoint for leaders to reflect on past challenges and future goals under new papal leadership.
A Complicated Legacy with Pope Francis
While Pope Francis eventually showed support for charismatic movements, the road wasn’t always smooth.
In fact, early in his papacy, and even before that in Argentina, Francis was skeptical of the movement’s energy and style.
During a 2024 private audience with leaders of the Renewal in the Holy Spirit, he compared the group to a “samba school”—a comment that stung many in the charismatic world.
Over time, though, Francis began to acknowledge the value of charismatics in the life of the Church, and his establishment of CHARIS in 2019 marked a major structural shift.
However, not everyone welcomed the increased Vatican oversight.
A Push for Structure That Divided Opinions
Francis asked charismatic leaders to embrace a clearer mission, outlining three core areas of witness: baptism in the Holy Spirit, unity within the Church, and service to the poor.
These priorities became the bedrock of CHARIS’s mandate.
But that structure also sparked concern. Some saw the Pope’s vision as a form of control rather than guidance.
Bennett acknowledged this tension, saying, “There’s always a bit of pushback when leadership steps in decisively.
For some, the goals Pope Francis gave us felt like too much direction, too fast.”
Hope for a Freer, More Collaborative Future
Now, with Pope Leo XIV at the helm, there’s cautious hope that the charismatic movement will have more space to flourish on its own terms—while still remaining in communion with the broader Church.
Bennett and others believe that Leo’s prior support of charismatics in Peru bodes well for a more collaborative relationship.
“He understands our spirituality, our approach,” Bennett noted. “That’s a big deal.”
Looking Ahead with Faith
As charismatic leaders reflect on the past and look toward the future, the sense is clear: they want partnership, not just permission.
With Pope Leo’s papacy still in its early days, there’s a window for renewed trust and open dialogue.
For now, leaders like Bennett are choosing to be hopeful. The foundations are laid.
The movement is vibrant. All that’s needed is a leader who lets it grow—without trying to contain it.