Pope Leo XIV sent a profound message to the clergy of Île-de-France Priests on 60th anniversary of the Vatican II document Presbyterorum Ordinis
Newsroom (06/06/2025 03:30 , Gaudium Press)On the occasion of the Jubilee celebration for priests of the Île-de-France region and the 60th anniversary of the Vatican II document Presbyterorum Ordinis, Pope Leo XIV sent a profound message to the clergy of the Paris ecclesiastical province.
The text was read aloud by Bishop Dominique Blanchet of Créteil during a special Mass at Notre-Dame Cathedral, offering spiritual guidance for priests navigating today’s challenges.
The Pope’s message emphasized three essential dimensions of priestly life. First, he stressed the need for an authentic, personal relationship with Jesus Christ as the foundation of all ministry. “Root your life and your ministry in an ever stronger love for Jesus, who has made you his friends,” he wrote. Second, Leo XIV highlighted the importance of radical pastoral charity, encouraging priests to serve their communities with “closeness, compassion, gentleness, humility and simplicity” – virtues he noted were constantly emphasized by his predecessor, Pope Francis.
The Pontiff also focused on ecclesial communion, urging priests to cultivate fraternal bonds with one another and maintain close ties with their bishops. “Pray incessantly for the unity of the Church,” he advised, reminding them that their credibility comes not from personal perfection but from authentic witness to Christ’s love. The message concluded with a Marian invocation, as Leo XIV entrusted all priests to the protection of Our Lady and the intercession of Paris’ saintly priests throughout history.
This spiritual roadmap comes at a critical time for the French Church, which faces significant secularization challenges and declining vocations. By combining the theological vision of Vatican II with the pastoral emphasis of Pope Francis, Leo XIV’s message offers both inspiration and practical direction for priests striving to be faithful witnesses in contemporary society. The Jubilee celebration, marking six decades since the landmark document on priestly ministry, provided a fitting context for this call to renewed evangelical zeal.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News (Italian)
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