Pope Leo XIV urges the Church to nurture Christian formation with patience, safeguarding, and heartfelt accompaniment against all forms of abuse.
Newsroom (06/02/2026 Gaudium Press ) In a thoughtful and pastoral address to the participants of the plenary assembly of the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life, Pope Leo XIV outlined a vision for Christian formation grounded in patience, accompaniment, and an unwavering commitment to safeguarding human life in all its stages.
Speaking to the assembly in Rome on February 6, the Pope highlighted the urgency of forming communities that respect life “in all its phases,” with special care toward preventing and addressing every form of abuse. “It is essential,” he said, “to foster within our communities formative aspects aimed at respecting human life in all its phases, in particular those that help prevent all forms of abuse of minors and of vulnerable people, as well as accompanying and supporting victims.”
The plenary assembly, held from February 4 to 6 under the theme “Until Christ is formed in you” (Gal 4:19): The formation of the laity in Christian life and the experience of World Meetings, became a platform for deeper reflection on how the Church can renew the spiritual and moral formation of its faithful.
Faith Is Born from Community
Pope Leo drew a powerful analogy between the transmission of life and the transmission of faith. “Just as human life is transmitted through the love of a man and a woman, so Christian life is conveyed through the love of a community,” he said. Faith, he reminded his audience, is not the product of an isolated individual or a single figure of authority, but the fruit of a vibrant, united Church animated by charity and the joy of the Gospel.
In this vision, families, young people, single and consecrated individuals each play a vital part in keeping the Church living and fruitful. “What makes parents want to give life to their children,” the Pope continued, “is not the need to have something, but the desire to give, to share the overflowing love and joy that dwells within them.” This, he said, lies at the root of all authentic formation—an act of love, not mere instruction.
Formation as a Parental Calling
The Pope encouraged those involved in formation to adopt the tenderness and generosity of parents rather than the rigidity of instructors. While teaching doctrine and moral norms is essential, he warned that these alone are insufficient. “Formators,” he said, “are called to share what we live, with generosity, sincere love for souls, willingness to suffer for others, and unreserved dedication, like parents who sacrifice themselves for the good of their children.”
This parental model reflects the approach of St. Paul, whose words to the Galatians—“Until Christ is formed in you”—inspired the theme of the Dicastery’s gathering. Formation, in Pope Leo’s vision, is not a transaction of knowledge, but a relationship of trust and witness, sustained through love and example.
Cultivating Patience and Consistency
The Pope acknowledged that the “art of formation” is far from easy. It demands patience, personal attention, and perseverance. True formation, he said, must help people integrate their faith into every part of life—family, work, relationships, and daily conduct.
“It requires patience, listening, accompanying, and verification,” the Pope emphasized. His words recalled the example of saints such as Ignatius of Loyola, Philip Neri, Joseph Calasanz, Gaspar del Bufalo, John Leonardi, and Augustine, all of whom embodied this patient art of guiding others toward faith.
Encouragement to Continue with Faith
Even as he acknowledged the difficulties faced by those involved in this ministry, Pope Leo’s tone remained hopeful and inspiring. He exhorted participants not to lose heart when progress appears slow or resources scarce.
“Start small,” he urged, invoking the Gospel’s image of the mustard seed. “Follow in faith the Gospel logic of the ‘mustard seed,’ confident that the Lord will never fail to provide you, at the right time, with the energy, people, and graces you need.”
He concluded by inviting all to place their trust in the Blessed Virgin Mary and to model her faith—a faith marked by patience, humility, and steadfast love.
In his address, Pope Leo XIV sketched a roadmap for Christian formation that is as tender as it is demanding: one that sees the Church not as an institution of instruction alone, but as a living family called to accompany, protect, and form its members with compassion and fidelity.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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