In recent days, Pope Leo XIV has had various encounters with seminarians, priests, and bishops, many of whom are in Rome for their Jubilees. Although the Holy Father was speaking to them about their vocation to ministry, he voiced truths that apply to every Christian, called by baptism to participate in the mission of the Church.
In particular, the Holy Father encourages them (and us, by extension) to persevere in difficult times, finding hope and joy in the grace, mercy, and friendship of Christ. It’s a transformative experience to which every human being is called, and which transforms us into effective witnesses in the world.
Here we offer you a selection of quotes from the Pope's addresses to the clergy, which can inspire you in your daily striving to live your faith and share it with others.
From the Holy Father’s meditation on the occasion of the Jubilee of Seminarians
“Today you are not only pilgrims, but also witnesses to hope: You bear witness of it to me and to everyone, because you’ve let yourselves become caught up in the fascinating adventure of the priestly vocation during a difficult time. You’ve accepted the call to become meek and powerful proclaimers of the Word that saves, servants of an open Church and of a Church that goes forth on mission.”
“In a world where there is often ingratitude and thirst for power, where sometimes it seems that the logic in which everything is disposable prevails, you have been called to bear witness to gratitude, and to the way in which Christ gives himself freely, to the exaltation and joy, tenderness and mercy of his Heart.”
(Read the full text here)
From the Holy Father’s words to the seminarians of the Dioceses of Triveneto
“Do not be discouraged if at times the journey ahead of you becomes hard. As Blessed John Paul I said to the clergy of Rome, train yourselves in the discipline of a ‘continued, long, and difficult effort. Even the angels that Jacob saw in a dream were not flying, but climbing one step at a time; you can just imagine us, poor men without wings…’”
“…[A]t all times, all the more so in those of desolation or even sin, repeat to yourselves the words of the psalmist: ‘I trust in God’s mercy forever and ever’ (Ps 52:10). The Word of God and the Sacraments are perennial sources from which you will always be able to draw new lymph for the spiritual life, and also for pastoral commitment.”
“[Jesus Christ] asks you, as Pope Francis wrote in the Encyclical Dilexit nos, ‘never to be ashamed to tell others, with all due discretion and respect, about your friendship with him. He asks that you dare to tell others how good and beautiful it is that you found him’ (no. 211). Indeed, encountering Jesus saves our life and gives us the strength and the joy to communicate the Gospel to everyone.”
(Read the full text here)
From the Holy Father’s meditation on the occasion of the Jubilee of Bishops
“At times, preaching the message that hope does not disappoint means swimming against the tide, even in certain painful situations that appear to be hopeless. Yet it is precisely at those times when it becomes all the more apparent that our faith and our hope do not come from ourselves, but from God.”
(Read the full text here)
From the Holy Father’s words to participants in the International Encounter of Priests (Photos below are from this event)
“Despite the signs of crisis affecting the life and mission of priests, God continues to call and remains faithful to his promises. […] Looking at the young people of our time who generously say ‘here I am’ to the Lord, we all feel the need to renew our ‘yes,’ to rediscover the beauty of being missionary disciples in the footsteps of Christ, the Good Shepherd.”
“Pope Francis' Encyclical Dilexit nos, while a precious gift for the whole Church, is especially so for us priests [...] asking us to safeguard together mysticism and social commitment, contemplation and action, silence and proclamation.Our times challenge us: many seem to have strayed from the faith, yet deep down, many people, especially young people, thirst for the infinite and for salvation.”
“Imitating the example of the Teacher, let us grow in faith and thus become credible witnesses of the vocation we have received. When someone believes, it shows: the happiness of the minister reflects his encounter with Christ, sustaining him in his mission and service.”
(Read the full text here)
