From The Nijasun News Desk
Pope Leo XIV has urged newly ordained Bishops to embrace the heart of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, and remain deeply committed to the people entrusted to their pastoral care.
The Pope made the call on Thursday while addressing Bishops participating in a formation course in Rome titled “Bishops, servants of communion in the Church and in today’s world.”
Pope Leo said Bishops have a unique bond of fraternity and should never consider themselves alone in their ministry, stressing that every person must have a place in the heart of a Bishop because everyone already has a place in the heart of Christ.
He identified remaining close to Jesus as the most important priority for Bishops, urging them to devote themselves to the Eucharist, the Word of God and 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,” the Pope said.
He challenged the Bishops to develop the heart of Jesus, completely turned towards God the Father and wholly dedicated to their brothers and sisters.
According to him, a Bishop must continually learn to love his people more deeply by knowing their joys and sorrows, sharing their dreams and celebrating the growth of their communities.
‘Know Their Names and Stories’
Pope Leo said Bishops should build close relationships with the people they serve, particularly through simple acts of presence, listening and personal engagement.
He said that as Bishops ordain priests and deacons, interact with young people and accompany those facing difficulties, they are called to love all those entrusted to them by learning their names and understanding their stories.
He paid particular attention to Bishops serving in young Churches, saying their physical and pastoral presence can leave lasting impressions through seemingly simple gestures, including spending time with priests and listening to families.
The Pope encouraged them to preserve a missionary heart, especially in communities that may have limited material resources but possess strong faith.
Calls for Pastoral Concern for Priests
Pope Leo also urged the Bishops to maintain what he described as “pastoral solicitude”, a commitment to carrying people in their hearts, with particular concern for priests.
He described episcopal ministry as a “service of love”, expressed through preaching, prayer, discernment and spending time with others.
Addressing the rapidly changing world and the growing possibilities presented by artificial intelligence, the Pope said the Church must continue proclaiming the Gospel of salvation.
He stressed that technological advancement cannot liberate humanity from sin and its consequences.
Pope Leo further encouraged the Bishops to organise opportunities for reflection and dialogue around his encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, so that people can contribute to building what he described as a civilisation of love.
‘Walk With Your People’
Concluding his address, the Pope urged the new Bishops to keep their hearts open to everyone, including people who profess no faith.
He called on them to walk alongside their communities, pray and listen to the Word of God with them, celebrate the Eucharist with them and continually seek the face of the Lord together.
The formation course is aimed at strengthening the pastoral and missionary preparation of Bishops as they undertake their responsibilities in the Church and in a rapidly changing world.
Source: Vatican News Vatican News
Tags: Pope Leo XIV, Catholic Church, Bishops, Vatican, Christianity
