On the occasion of the World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests, celebrated on June 27, the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pope Leo XIV has issued a heartfelt message urging priests worldwide to become “builders of unity and peace” in today’s divided and fragile world.
Addressing his “brothers in the priesthood,” the pope emphasized that the Heart of Christ, pierced for love, remains the living source of mercy, healing, and renewal for every priest.
It is in this wounded but life-giving heart, the Holy Father said, that priests discover the true nature of their ministry as joyful witnesses to God’s love, entrusted with the mission to heal, accompany, and reconcile.
“In a world marked by growing tensions, even within families and ecclesial communities, priests are called to promote reconciliation and foster communion,” Pope Francis said.
He urged priests to be pastors capable of wise discernment and compassionate understanding, ministers able to “piece together the fragments of the lives entrusted to their care,” and help people see the light of the Gospel even amid life’s trials.
Reflecting on the grace of priestly vocation, Francis invited priests to return spiritually to the day of their ordination, renewing their “yes” before the Heart of Christ.
Quoting St. Augustine, he reminded them that their ministry is not merely a memory of the past but an ever-renewing encounter with God’s call, a gift that, when remembered and cherished, becomes a source of new vitality for mission.
Pope Francis highlighted the importance of pastoral closeness, prayer, forgiveness, and solidarity with the poor, families, and young people searching for truth.
He also called for a renewed devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, describing it as the space where priests can find healing for their inner conflicts and draw strength to address the divisions and suffering present in today’s world.
“The Lord does not look for perfect priests,” the pope affirmed, “but for humble hearts open to conversion and prepared to love others as He loved us.”
Finally, in the spirit of the upcoming Jubilee Year 2025, which invites all believers to be “pilgrims of hope,” Pope Francis entrusted all priests to Mary, Queen of Apostles, and Mother of Priests, concluding his message with a special blessing from the Vatican.
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