In an address for the beginning of the Diocese of Rome’s pastoral year, Pope Leo XIV outlined his vision of synodality at the diocesan level.
Newsroom (22/09/2025, Gaudium Press ) In a heartfelt address delivered at the Cathedral of Rome, Pope Leo XIV, speaking as the Bishop of Rome, emphasized the urgent need for a revitalized, synodal Church that actively engages its community and responds to the challenges of modern times. Addressing clergy, religious, and representatives of Rome’s parishes, the Pope underscored the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the importance of embracing the synodal process to renew the Church’s mission.
The Pope opened his speech with gratitude, describing the gathering as “a great embrace” between the Bishop and his people. He thanked the Cardinal Vicar for his introduction and acknowledged the tireless efforts of priests, deacons, religious, and laity in their pastoral work, particularly in supporting those who turn to the Church for solace.
Drawing from the Gospel story of the Samaritan woman (John 4:10), Pope Leo XIV likened the “living water” offered by Jesus to the Holy Spirit, a gift that quenches spiritual thirst and renews all things. He highlighted the synodal process as a catalyst for ecclesiastical renewal, fostering hope and revitalizing communities through a Gospel-inspired approach that prioritizes closeness to God and service to humanity.
A Call to Synodal Action
Quoting from the accompanying note to the Final Document of the XVI Synodal Assembly (November 24, 2024), Pope Leo XIV urged local Churches to implement the assembly’s guidelines, adapting them to their unique contexts. He called on the Diocese of Rome to become a “laboratory of synodality,” producing “Gospel-inspired actions” in a city grappling with economic and existential poverty, disoriented youth, and burdened families.
The Pope outlined three key objectives for the diocese:
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Strengthening Christian Initiation and Evangelization: Recognizing the declining demand for sacraments, Pope Leo XIV called for a holistic approach to Christian initiation that integrates faith into daily life. He advocated for new tools and languages in catechesis, greater involvement of families, and special attention to adolescents and adults seeking baptism. He emphasized the need for ongoing formation for catechists, urging collaboration between diocesan offices and parishes.
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Engaging Youth and Families: The Pope stressed the importance of a compassionate, non-judgmental pastoral approach that meets people where they are. He proposed personalized paths tailored to diverse life situations, encouraging the Church to accompany families without supplanting their role in faith transmission. This “new apprenticeship” should foster meaningful relationships and address social issues, particularly for the poor and marginalized.
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Prioritizing Formation: Highlighting an “educational emergency,” Pope Leo XIV called for vibrant, generative Christian communities that serve as a “womb” for initiating faith and a “heart” for reaching those who have drifted away. He encouraged parishes to offer biblical and liturgical formation while engaging with contemporary issues such as social justice, peace, migration, environmental care, mental health, and addiction. The Pope urged collaboration with Rome’s intellectual resources to address these challenges thoughtfully.
Fostering Communion and Participation
Central to the Pope’s vision is the active participation of all baptized members in the Church’s life. He called for stronger “organisms of participation,” such as parish councils, to enhance communal discernment and decision-making. These bodies, he noted, reinforce the bond between ordained ministers and the community, ensuring the Church reflects its sacramental and exemplary nature as outlined in Vatican II and his own teachings, particularly the patristic concept of mysterium lunae—the Church as a reflection of Christ’s light.
The Pope also addressed the risk of diocesan structures, such as prefectures and sectors, becoming mere formalities. He urged these bodies to function as true spaces of communion, fostering collaborative pastoral initiatives that transcend parish boundaries in a fast-paced, complex urban context.
A Missionary Vision
Reflecting on the Samaritan woman’s missionary zeal, Pope Leo XIV expressed confidence that the Diocese of Rome’s ongoing synodal journey would deepen its communion, co-responsibility, and mission. He envisioned a Church that, like the Samaritan woman, leaves behind its “jar” to share the “living water” of the Gospel with all. Quoting John 4:42, he hoped that many would come to faith not merely through words but through personal encounters with Christ.
The Pope concluded by entrusting the diocese’s mission to the Virgin Mary, Salus Populi Romani, invoking her guidance for a Church that strives to include all at the Lord’s banquet, as foretold by the prophet Isaiah (25:6-10).
As Rome’s faithful absorb the Pope’s call to action, the Diocese of Rome stands at a pivotal moment, challenged to embody a synodal, missionary spirit in a city yearning for hope and renewal.
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