VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV has urged priests of the Diocese of Rome to rekindle the gift of faith within themselves and renew their commitment to proclaiming the Gospel with courage and creativity.
Receiving the clergy of Rome at the Vatican on Thursday, the Pope expressed his “great joy” at meeting them and lightheartedly remarked that, although Lent has begun, the gathering “is not an act of penance.”
“Rekindle the Gift of God”
In his address, Pope Leo acknowledged the many challenges facing priests today, including rapid cultural change, pastoral fatigue, routine, and growing indifference toward religious practice.
“Church of Rome, remember to rekindle the gift of God,” he said, encouraging them not to see themselves as “passive executors of an already defined pastoral plan,” but as active collaborators in God’s saving work.
He recognized that many clergy feel weighed down by discouragement and routine. Yet, he stressed, this is precisely the moment to nourish and revive the fire of faith first lit by God at their ordination.
Urgent Proclamation of the Gospel
The Pope underlined that proclaiming the Gospel must remain the Church’s priority.
“It is urgent to return to proclaiming the Gospel,” he said, calling for new paths and creative initiatives that help people rediscover the promise of Jesus.
He emphasized the need for communion among priests, warning against isolation. “We cannot think and act in isolation,” he said, noting how both parish life and broader society have changed dramatically in recent years.
Close to Young People and Families
Addressing the challenge of transmitting the faith, Pope Leo encouraged priests to explore new ways of engaging children, young people, and families.
He observed that young people often experience deep existential discomfort, confusion, and complex social pressures. For this reason, parishes must enter into dialogue with schools, educators, and specialists in the human sciences.
“We do not have easy solutions that guarantee immediate results,” he admitted. “But we can remain attentive to young people, make ourselves present, welcome them, and share a part of their lives.”
Support One Another in Fraternity
The Holy Father offered particular encouragement to younger priests, who may feel overwhelmed by the burdens of ministry in today’s world.
“I invite you never to close yourselves off,” he said. “Do not be afraid to engage in dialogue, even about your weariness and your crises.”
He concluded by calling for concrete priestly fraternity: “Let us accompany and support one another.”
In the midst of Lent — a season of renewal — Pope Leo XIV’s message to Rome’s clergy was clear: rekindle the flame of faith, proclaim Christ with urgency, walk closely with families and young people, and strengthen one another in unity and hope.