The cultural and pastoral diversity among clergy is not a burden but a gift that should enrich communion within the Church rather than fragment it, Pope Leo XIV told the priests and deacons of the Rome Diocese yesterday. Source: CNS.
“Ours is truly a particular diocese,” the Pope said during an audience with the clergy. “Many priests come from different parts of the world, especially for reasons of study; this implies that pastoral life – I think especially of the parishes – is marked by this universality and the mutual hospitality it entails.”
The gathering marked the Pope’s first official meeting with the clergy of the diocese he serves as bishop.
In his address, Pope Leo emphasised the need for unity among the clergy in today’s age.
“The priest is called to be a man of communion so that he himself may live it and continuously nurture it,” he said.
“We know that this communion today is hindered by a cultural climate that favours isolation or self-referentiality. None of us is exempt from these snares which threaten the solidity of our spiritual life and the strength of our ministry.”
While shared housing in seminaries and rectories helps foster fraternity in Rome, the Pope said deeper unity requires more than physical proximity. “I ask you for a push in priestly fraternity, which draws its roots from a solid spiritual life, from the encounter with the Lord and listening to his word.
“Let us strive to live relationships of friendship, outdoing one another in showing esteem.”
Turning to personal witness, Pope Leo asked that all the clergy “commit ourselves to being credible and exemplary priests!”
He acknowledged human weakness but stressed the high demands of the priestly calling. “We are aware of the limits of our nature, and the Lord knows us deeply; but we have received an extraordinary grace, we have been entrusted with a precious treasure of which we are the ministers, servants. And a servant is asked to be faithful.”
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Diversity is cause for strength, not division, Pope tells Rome clergy (By Justin McLellan, CNS)
