- 10 May, 2025
1. “A bishop must not be a little prince sitting in his kingdom.”
Date: October 2023
Source: Katholisch.de
Spoken during the Synod on Synodality, this vivid image stripped the episcopacy of any air of royalty. For Prevost, a bishop is no monarch overseeing subjects from afar, but a shepherd walking closely with his flock. It was a timely call to reject clericalism and embrace pastoral closeness—a theme that echoed throughout his ministry.
2. “We are often preoccupied with teaching doctrine... but we risk forgetting that our first task is to teach what it means to know Jesus Christ.”
Date: May 5, 2023
Source: Catholic News Agency
In an interview outlining the qualities of a bishop, Prevost cut to the heart of Christian formation. His words reminded clergy and catechists alike that doctrine must flow from a living relationship with Christ, not exist as an abstract checklist. For Prevost, evangelization starts not in the intellect but in the encounter.
3. “The only authority of bishops is to serve.”
Date: May 2023
Source: Catholic News Agency
This radical redefinition of authority reframed the bishop's office entirely. Prevost emphasized that true leadership in the Church is not about control but about service—a conviction aligned with the Gospel and Pope Francis's pastoral model. His brief but bold statement became a reference point for renewed episcopal identity.
4. “I just pray to the Lord that I will be faithful in trying to fulfill what Pope Francis and the Church is now asking me.”
Date: July 2023
Source: Vatican News
In the wake of being named a cardinal, Prevost offered no triumphalism—only a prayer. His humble response revealed a heart grounded in obedience and mission. Rather than seeing the red hat as an honor, he viewed it as a greater responsibility in service of the Church.
5. “Today, society and culture take us away from that vision of Jesus... The lack of unity is a wound that the Church suffers, a very painful one.”
Source: Catholic Outlook
With these words, Prevost diagnosed one of the Church's deepest pains: disunity. Whether through ideological division, liturgical strife, or generational gaps, the Church’s broken communion grieved him. He saw unity not as uniformity, but as a Gospel imperative—and a wound crying out for healing.
6. “In any case, silence is not an answer. Silence is not the solution. We must be transparent and honest.”
Source: Vatican News
Amid calls for accountability in Church leadership, this quote stood out as a moral anchor. Cardinal Prevost made it clear that the time for secrecy and evasion had passed. His insistence on transparency wasn't just administrative—it was spiritual, rooted in trust, truth, and healing.
7. “The fundamental thing for every disciple of Christ is humility.”
Source: Augustinian Order
In this interview reflecting on his Augustinian roots and his episcopal mission, Prevost centered the entire Christian life on humility. This wasn’t merely personal advice—it was his ecclesial vision. Humility, for him, was not just a virtue; it was the foundation for leadership, evangelization, and discipleship.
8. “Do not be afraid to say Yes. Do not be afraid to open your heart to the possibility that the Lord is calling you to religious life... or to other forms of service in the Church.”
Source: Augustinian Order
These words, directed especially toward young people, reflect Prevost’s passion for vocations and his belief in the power of discernment. He understood the fear and hesitation that often accompany the call—but also the beauty and freedom of saying "yes" to Christ. The encouragement was gentle, but direct—like much of his pastoral approach.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
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