Pope Leo XIV thanks Roman Curia and Vatican staff for their service, emphasizes mission and unity

Pope Leo XIV met with officials of the Roman Curia, employees of the Holy See, the Governorate of Vatican City State, and the Vicariate of Rome —  expressing gratitude for their work and encouraging them to continue serving the Church with a missionary spirit and unity of purpose.

Held at the Paul VI Hall on May 24, the audience marked the Pope’s first formal gathering with the Vatican’s administrative and pastoral personnel since the beginning of his pontificate. In a heartfelt and sometimes humorous address, the Holy Father thanked those present for their daily commitment and collaboration.

“This is not the moment for grand speeches,” Pope Leo said, “but rather an opportunity to say thank you for the service you carry out—a service I have, so to speak, ‘inherited’ from my predecessors.”

Recalling his time as a missionary in Peru and his recent role as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops before being elected pope, the Holy Father highlighted the importance of memory in the life of the Church. 

“To work in the Roman Curia means to contribute to keeping the memory of the Apostolic See alive,” he explained. “Memory nourishes the present and guides the future.”

Pope Leo also reaffirmed the missionary identity of the Church, echoing the emphasis of Pope Francis in Evangelii Gaudium and the Apostolic Constitution Praedicate Evangelium.

“We must look for ways to be a missionary Church,” he said, “a Church that builds bridges and encourages dialogue… open to welcoming with open arms all those in need.”

He stressed that unity and love must begin in the workplace. “Each person can be a builder of unity,” the pope said, urging the staff to face misunderstandings with humility, patience, and even humor, following the example of his predecessor.

Concluding his message, Pope Leo invoked the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and led those present in praying the Hail Mary. He offered his blessing to all, especially their families, the elderly, children, and those suffering.

“Thank you once again, and best wishes!” the pope said, receiving a warm round of applause from the gathered staff and their families.