Pope Leo XIV Confers Pallium on New Metropolitan Archbishops, Calls Them to Be Good Shepherds
Pope Leo XIV conferred the pallium on newly appointed metropolitan archbishops during the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul on June 29, calling them to serve as good shepherds by caring for the faithful entrusted to them with generosity, humility, and unity.
According to Vatican News, the conferral of the pallium took place during the Eucharistic celebration marking the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, the patrons of Rome. The traditional woolen band, adorned with black crosses and worn over the shoulders, symbolizes the pastoral responsibility of metropolitan archbishops and their communion with the Bishop of Rome.
Addressing the new archbishops during his homily, Pope Leo said the pallium expresses "the commitment of every shepherd—and also of every Christian—to take upon their shoulders the brothers and sisters entrusted to them, like so many lambs of the Lord's flock."
He urged them to devote their "energy, time, effort and even their lives" to the people under their pastoral care so that the Gospel may reach everyone and become a source of harmony and unity. Vatican News reported that the pope linked the symbolism of the pallium to Christ, the Good Shepherd, who lays down His life for His sheep.
Reflecting on the lives of Saints Peter and Paul, Pope Leo said both apostles became pillars of the Church not because they were without faults but because they allowed God to transform them.
Peter, he noted, denied Jesus during the Passion but repented and faithfully carried out his mission of strengthening the Church. Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, experienced a profound conversion and became the tireless apostle to the Gentiles.
According to Vatican News, the pope said Peter's life encourages Christians to become "builders of unity," placing God at the center of their lives while listening, discerning, correcting, encouraging, and accompanying others in faith.
He also described Paul's conversion as a reminder that God's grace can transform lives and redirect them toward service and the proclamation of the Gospel.
Pope Leo concluded by inviting the faithful to pray for the intercession of Saints Peter and Paul so that the Church may continue to walk the path of communion and unity envisioned by Christ.
The Mass was also attended by members of the delegation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, continuing the annual tradition of ecumenical participation in the feast. According to Vatican News, the pope welcomed the delegation and expressed his hope that the witness of Saints Peter and Paul would strengthen the journey toward greater Christian unity.
