"He will probably try to seek support from some individuals who have Curia experience, but who also share his vision, " said Mr. Cesareo.

WSJ: Bid to Remake Church Will Focus on Vatican Administration

"Before addressing the scandals that hit the Vatican, he first needs to learn what happened, " said Francesco Cesareo, a church historian and president of Assumption College in Worcester, Mass.

WSJ: Bid to Remake Church Will Focus on Vatican Administration