Pope Urges Religious to Avoid Stagnation in Governance

Vatican City, November 7:

Pope Leo XIV met with participants of the 65th General Assembly of the Italian Conference of Major Superiors (CISM) at the Vatican, urging them to embrace synodality as a guiding principle in governance and mission. The Pope emphasised that practising synodality could help religious communities overcome self-referential tendencies and stagnation while inspiring hope among their members.

Reflecting on the assembly’s theme, “Governing Hope: Forms and Styles of Governance in the Provinces of a Synodal Church,” the Pope underlined the Church’s mission to continue engaging with the challenges of modern times. “The community of believers has never shied away from the stimuli or challenges of the times and places in which it has lived,” he said, adding that the Church seeks to continue bringing “Christ’s message to every area of society and every part of the world.”

Pope Leo described the presence of religious as “significant and providential” to this mission and praised the Major Superiors’ commitment to their leadership roles, particularly within the ongoing synodal journey of the Church.

Importance of Discussion, Sharing, and Fraternal Correction

Referring to the Final Document of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops (October 2024), the Pope highlighted three interconnected attitudes vital for governance: ecclesial discernment, care for decision-making processes, and accountability in evaluating decisions.

He stated that fidelity to the Church fosters co-responsibility, transparency, and mutual openness, which promote genuine cooperation among members. “Sincere discussion, sharing, and fraternal correction can greatly help to avoid and counteract any particularistic and self-referential tendencies,” Pope Leo said.

He further stressed the need for a “fruitful rotation of responsibilities and offices” to prevent rigidity and stagnation in religious life. “Ultimately, it is a journey of purification,” he explained, aimed at helping individuals and communities grow in goodness and charity.

This process, he added, supports “a renewed charismatic fidelity” by removing non-essential structures and attachments that detract from the original mission envisioned by the founders of religious congregations.

Ministry of Authority as a Source of Hope

Pope Leo noted that throughout history, consecrated life has developed forms of governance rooted in synodality, encouraging members to “harmonise their gifts and pursue mission in common.” He said that synodality, being intrinsic to the life of the Church, makes religious particularly well-suited to contribute to global efforts of renewal.

He also acknowledged the growing interculturality of consecrated communities as a reflection of today’s diverse societies. However, he warned that the richness of consecrated life should not be seen as “definite and static.”

“Faith is a dynamic life that constantly needs to evolve, grow, and express itself in new contexts,” the Pope observed. These aspects, he said, must be nurtured “like the fruit of a living organism, in need of nourishment, attention, and sometimes even healing.”

Concluding his address, Pope Leo urged leaders to exercise authority as a ministry of hope, inspiring generosity and fraternal support. He quoted St Augustine, reminding them that the synodal dimension of leadership is rooted in the shared responsibility “we have towards our brothers.”

Pope Urges Religious to Avoid Stagnation in Governance

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