In a heartfelt encounter at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV welcomed all priests, deacons, and seminarians of the Diocese of Rome, thanking them for their tireless ministry and reminding them of their irreplaceable value in God's plan on June 12.
"I thank you for your lives given in service to the Kingdom... for all that you live in silence, often with suffering or misunderstanding," the Pope expressed, emphasizing that each one is "precious in the eyes of God and in the realization of His plan."
Acknowledging the diverse origins of many Roman priests, Leo highlighted the importance of unity and communion. He encouraged a renewed commitment to priestly fraternity rooted in spiritual life and mutual support.
"The presbyter is called to be a man of communion," the Pope noted, warning against the dangers of isolation and self-reference in today's culture. He reaffirmed his desire to walk with the priests, helping them find serenity and strength in their ministry.
Leo also urged priests to lead by example: "Let us all commit to being credible and exemplary priests." He cited the transparency and integrity urged by Saint Paul, reminding them that though they are human and flawed, they are entrusted with a sacred and extraordinary mission.
He encouraged them to rekindle the love of their calling and to humbly live lives that radiate the Gospel’s power: "Let yourselves be drawn once more by the call of the Master."
Reflecting on the many crises facing the world and the city of Rome—violence, poverty, and marginalization—the Pope called on priests to respond prophetically rather than retreat: "Let us not run away from them!"
He emphasized that pastoral and academic commitments must be tools to build the Kingdom of God in today’s complex world, drawing strength from the example of saintly priests who united history with the Gospel.
In closing, Leo XIV assured the clergy of his affection, prayer, and personal commitment: "I assure you of my closeness, my affection, and my willingness to walk with you."
He ended with the words of Saint Augustine: "Love this Church, remain in this Church, be this Church... Pray for the scattered sheep, that there may be one fold and one Shepherd."
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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