Pope Leo XIV urged the bishops to tackle clergy misconduct head-on and to foster a Church rooted in synodality, dialogue, and missionary zeal.
Newsroom (13/09/2025, Gaudium Press ) In a Sept. 11 address to recently appointed bishops attending a formation course organized by the Holy See, Pope Leo XIV delivered a call to action, urging the prelates to tackle clergy misconduct head-on and to foster a Church rooted in synodality, dialogue, and missionary zeal. The pontiff’s remarks, followed by a fraternal dialogue with the bishops, underscored the challenges and responsibilities of their new ministry while offering practical guidance for navigating a complex world.
Addressing Clergy Misconduct with Mercy and Justice
The Holy Father emphasized the need to confront inappropriate behaviour by clergy decisively, stating, “They cannot be put away in a drawer; they must be addressed with a sense of mercy and true justice toward the victims and the accused.” This directive reflects the Church’s ongoing commitment to accountability and transparency in handling allegations of misconduct, prioritizing both compassion for victims and fairness in judgment.
Perseverance Amid Challenges
Acknowledging the fears and sense of unworthiness that often accompany the start of a bishop’s ministry, Pope Leo XIV encouraged the prelates to remain steadfast. “Do not allow yourselves to be frightened by the first difficulty,” he advised, urging them to stay close to the Lord through prayer and to trust in the Holy Spirit. He called for bishops to be “pastors close to the people and to priests, merciful and firm,” capable of balancing compassion with sound judgment.
Synodality as a Way of Being Church
Drawing on his experience as the former head of the Dicastery for Bishops, the pontiff described synodality not as a mere pastoral method but as “a style of Church, of listening and of common search for the mission to which we are called.” He urged the bishops to be “builders of bridges,” integrating the laity into the Church’s life and promoting an “unarmed and disarming” peace in a world marked by conflict.
Navigating the Digital Age
In response to questions about the challenges of social media, Pope Leo XIV cautioned against its pitfalls, noting that “everyone feels authorized to say whatever he wants, even things that are false.” He advised bishops to exercise prudence, remain calm, use sound judgment, and seek the expertise of communications professionals to navigate the digital landscape effectively.
Formation and Mission
The pontiff stressed the importance of seminary formation, urging bishops to accompany seminarians in discovering the broader dimensions of the Gospel and missionary life. He also highlighted the role of laypeople, particularly those in ecclesial movements, as a source of hope and vitality for local Churches. “Rely on those authentic, missionary laypeople,” he said, emphasizing their contribution to the Church’s mission.
Responding to Contemporary Crises
Addressing environmental concerns, Pope Leo XIV referenced the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, encouraging bishops to promote care for creation in their pastoral work while remaining grounded in Christian anthropology. He also spoke of the spiritual hunger among young people, particularly in Europe, noting their search for communion and prayer, which often goes unfulfilled in virtual spaces or traditional parish settings.
Gratitude and Solidarity
In closing, the Holy Father expressed gratitude for the bishops’ acceptance of their ministry, assuring them, “You are not alone; together we bear the burden and together we proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” He encouraged reliance on God’s grace, collaboration with others, and the wisdom of experienced bishops emeriti, while warning against the temptation to isolate oneself within an inner circle.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from CNA
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