In a recent interview with John-Henry Westen, Fr. Charles Murr commented that “Pope Leo is like Pope Francis but with a better tailor.” This is a pointed criticism aimed at Pope Leo XIV’s continuity with the Francis pontificate.

What Fr. Murr means is that Leo XIV maintains the same theological direction, the same liberal mindset, and the same disregard for Tradition that characterized Pope Francis, but presents it with a more polished external appearance.

In other words, nothing of substance has changed—only the packaging. The vestments, formalities, and occasional displays of traditional papal attire under Leo XIV do not reflect genuinely traditional governance; instead, they function as optics, a superficial layer that contrasts sharply with the actual direction of his pontificate.

Pope Leo’s traditional-looking vesture is simply a decorative façade covering the same ambiguity and progressive orientation inherited from Francis. Thus, the “better tailor” line is a way of saying that Leo XIV is essentially Francis in nicer clothes, with no real improvement in doctrine, clarity, or commitment to Tradition.

About Fr. Charles Murr

Fr. Charles Murr’s life reflects a priest formed through difficult experiences, deep pastoral involvement, and a close-up view of both the beauty and the corruption within the Church.

His years in New York exposed him to chaotic parishes, neglected communities, and clergy who had abandoned their responsibilities, which sharpened his awareness of how mismanagement and ideological drift harmed the faith.

His time in Rome further immersed him in ecclesial politics, and his close relationships with significant figures such as Malachi Martin and Cardinal Edouard Gagnon placed him near investigations into corruption within the Roman Curia.

These experiences shaped his perspective and gave him the conviction that corruption must be confronted rather than concealed. Over time, the accumulation of what he had seen—abandonment of duties, ideological deformities, and moral failures in high places—made him a priest unafraid to challenge the status quo, especially when the Church’s leaders failed to defend truth and tradition.

Fr. Charles Murr’s Books and Writings

Fr. Murr communicates his insights through his writings, particularly his novels and memoir-style works. One of his most well-known books is Murder in the 33rd Degree, which recounts Cardinal Edouard Gagnon’s investigation into Freemasonry and entrenched corruption inside the Vatican.

He is also the author of The Godmother, a gripping account of his relationship with Mother Pascalina Lehnert, the powerful and fiercely loyal secretary to Pope Pius XII, who became a mentor and spiritual guide to him.

His most recent published work, And It Was Night, offers a reflective and deeply personal look at the darkness, spiritual confusion, and internal decay he witnessed within the Church, framed through powerful storytelling and firsthand experience.

Fr. Murr has also announced plans to publish another book focusing on his time in New York, detailing the challenges, scandals, and transformative episodes he encountered in some of the city’s most troubled parishes.

Why Faithful Catholics Admire Fr. Charles Murr

Faithful Catholics love Fr. Murr because he speaks with honesty, courage, and loyalty to the faith at a time when many feel abandoned or misled by Church leadership.

He distinguishes clearly between the indefectible holiness of the Church and the failings of individual clergy, allowing him to criticize corruption without undermining faith itself.

His firsthand experiences give weight to his words, and his willingness to expose truths others hide gives him credibility among Catholics yearning for transparency and integrity.

Beyond that, his storytelling is personal, vivid, and sincere, making him accessible and relatable. Many Catholics are drawn to his combination of humor, firmness, and unwavering commitment to the Church’s true mission, seeing in him a voice that articulates what they themselves have long observed but could not say openly.