- 14 September, 2025
Vatican City, September 14, 2025 – Pope Leo XIV has urged bishops appointed in the past year to confront cases of clergy misconduct directly on 11 september, insisting such matters “cannot be put away in a drawer” but must be handled with justice and mercy towards both victims and the accused.
The Pope addressed the prelates on 11 September at the conclusion of a formation course organised by the Holy See. In his morning address, he invited them into a fraternal dialogue, offering space for concerns and questions.
Challenges of New Ministry
Reflecting on the fears and uncertainties that accompany the beginning of episcopal ministry, Pope Leo spoke of the need to remain rooted in prayer and trust in the Holy Spirit. “Do not allow yourselves to be frightened by the first difficulty,” he told them. He urged bishops to remain close to their people and priests, to balance mercy with firmness when making judgments, and to cultivate listening and dialogue rather than relying only on sermons.
The pontiff highlighted the importance of drawing on pastoral experience in local Churches while engaging with the universality of the wider Church. He reminded them that “the answers learned 25 years ago in the seminary are not enough” when responding to contemporary questions about life and suffering.
Synodality and Bridge-Building
Addressing synodality, Pope Leo stressed that it is not merely a pastoral method but “a style of Church” rooted in listening and shared mission. “Be builders of bridges,” he told the bishops, encouraging them to value the role of the laity and to foster an “unarmed and disarming” peace.
He also warned against isolation and the temptation to form exclusive inner circles, recommending instead collaboration, including guidance from experienced bishop emeriti.
Prudence and Communication
On communications, Pope Leo cautioned against the unfiltered use of social media. “Everyone feels authorised to say whatever he wants, even things that are false,” he said, noting that the search for truth can be painful but necessary. He advised bishops to remain calm, exercise sound judgment, and seek the help of communications professionals.
Formation and Mission
Turning to seminary formation, the Pope underlined the bishops’ duty to accompany vocations with openness, guiding candidates to embrace the fullness of the Gospel and missionary life. He encouraged them to collaborate with laypeople active in ecclesial movements, describing them as a “source of hope” for the local Church.
He also urged bishops to witness to Christian love and mercy in dialogue with people of other religious traditions, especially where Christians are a minority.
Environmental and Youth Concerns
Pope Leo linked pastoral care to environmental responsibility, recalling the tenth anniversary of Laudato Si’ and urging bishops to integrate ecological concerns into their mission without compromising Christian anthropology.
In their discussions with him, the bishops also raised the concerns of young people, particularly their search for communion, prayer, and deeper spiritual life—needs unmet by virtual spaces or “typical parish experiences.”
Concluding the meeting, Pope Leo thanked the bishops for their service: “I pray for you; the Church appreciates your ‘yes’; you are not alone; together we bear the burden and together we proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”
Source: Catholic World Reports
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