This is what legalism looks like:

“New provision regarding the presidency of the Pontifical Commission. Promulgated by Pope Leo XIV at the beginning of his pontificate, the new Fundamental Law confirms and incorporates these amendments, which concern the legislative, executive, and judicial functions of the State. With regard in particular to the legislative function, it brings together in a single legislative text the amendment introduced by the Motu Proprio of 19 November 2025 concerning the presidency of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State, the body that exercises both the legislative and executive functions.”

This has nothing to do with the current Pontiff. All Popes face the same legalistic ecosystem. One has to be a lawyer some days to read Catholic news. This goes too for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and a long list of Church institutions.

Ditto for much of the Catholic information sites and “media.”

No question an organization needs certain structures and rules. But when does it overshadow the Church’s actual mission? When does it obdumbrate the Holy Spirit?

That’s one form of legalism.