Pope Leo XIV Urges New Bishops to Embrace All Hearts
Pope Leo XIV met on Thursday with the Bishops taking part in a formation course in Rome, titled “Bishops, servants of communion in the Church and in today’s world.” In his address, the Pope emphasized the unique fratern…
Pope Leo XIV met on Thursday with the Bishops taking part in a formation course in Rome, titled “Bishops, servants of communion in the Church and in today’s world.” In his address, the Pope emphasized the unique fraternity they enjoy and reassured them that they never walk alone, as they share their hopes and dreams for the people entrusted to their care.
Promising his prayers for their ministry, the Pope stated that every individual must find a place in the Bishop’s heart, “because everyone already has a place in the heart of Christ.” He urged the new Bishops to prioritize remaining with Jesus, addressing Him and spending time in prayer. “Always cherish your time with the Lord: the Eucharist, the Word of God, prayer, and those moments in which you can remain in His presence with the simple heart of a disciple who allows himself to be loved by his Lord,” he advised.
Pope Leo XIV invited the new Bishops to embody “the heart of Jesus, the Good Shepherd,” completely oriented to the Father and devoted to their brothers and sisters. He noted, “A Bishop is a man who learns each day to love his people more deeply: to know their joys and sorrows, to share their dreams and to rejoice as he sees communities grow.”
As Bishops ordain priests and deacons, meet enthusiastic young people, and accompany individuals through difficulties, they are called to love all people entrusted to them by learning their names and stories. The Pope remarked that especially in young Churches, the presence of a Bishop leaves a profound impact through simple gestures, such as spending time with a priest or listening to a family. “You know both the beauty and the demands of mission, and of a Church that may possess little but is rich in great faith,” he said. “I therefore invite you to preserve a missionary heart.”
He encouraged them to carry pastoral sollicitude, meaning to carry the people in their heart, with a particular focus on their priests. This pastoral care manifests as a “service of love,” expressed through preaching, prayer, discernment, and time spent with others. In light of new and rapid global changes driven by technology, including artificial intelligence, he stated that Bishops must continue to proclaim the Gospel of salvation for all, reminding them that technology cannot liberate humanity from sin and its consequences.
Pope Leo XIV advised the Bishops to create opportunities for reflection and dialogue concerning his encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, allowing every voice to contribute to the establishment of a civilization founded on love, as per his outlined vision. Concluding his remarks, he invited the new Bishops to keep their hearts open to everyone, including those who profess no faith. “Let us walk with our people: let us pray with them, listen to the Word with them, and celebrate the Eucharist with them,” he said. “Let us seek the face of the Lord with them each day.”
