Pope Leo urges seminarians: Embrace the priesthood with passion

Pope Leo XIV welcomed more than 4,000 seminarians and formators from around the world to St. Peter’s Basilica for the Jubilee for Seminarians, delivering a heartfelt meditation centered on the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the vocation to the priesthood on June 24.

In his address, the Holy Father described seminarians as “pilgrims and witnesses of hope,” urging them to keep alive the flame of hope within the Church.

He invited them to reflect on Christ’s heart—marked by joy, tenderness, and mercy—through a life of welcome, closeness, and selfless service. The formation, he said, must be “centered on the heart,” involving not only theological study but deep personal prayer and interior discernment.

Leo highlighted the importance of cultivating a strong interior life, recognizing the inner movements of the heart, and being attentive to the voice of God in silence and the beauty of creation, art, music, and science.

He called on seminarians to pray often, invoke the Holy Spirit, and listen deeply to the needs of the poor, the oppressed, and especially young people seeking meaning in life.

Drawing inspiration from Mary’s example of meditating on the events of her life, the Pope encouraged seminarians to develop the “art of discernment.”

He also exhorted them to reject hypocrisy and superficiality, to grow in human maturity, and to embrace the priestly vocation with humility and passion.

“Never settle for less,” Leo urged. “Do not be passive recipients, but be passionate about the priestly life, living in the present and looking to the future with a prophetic heart.”

He concluded by leading the seminarians in the proclamation of the Nicene Creed, expressing his hope that they might deepen their friendship with Christ and imitate His Sacred Heart, “which beats with love for each of you and all humanity.”