Pope Leo XIV urges priests to deepen friendship with Christ, emphasizing formation, fraternity, and mission at the Happy Priests Meeting in Rome, June 2025.
Newsroom, June 27, 2024, Gaudium Press – In a heartfelt address to participants of the International Meeting of Happy Priests, themed “I Have Called You Friends” (Jn 15:15), His Holiness Pope Leo XIV called on priests to deepen their personal relationship with Christ as the cornerstone of their ministry. Speaking at the Auditorium Conciliazione in Rome, the pontiff emphasized the joy and responsibility of priestly life during the Holy Year, underscoring the importance of fraternity, formation, and missionary zeal.
The event, organized by the Dicastery for the Clergy under Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik, brought together priests, formators, seminarians, and vocational animators from across the globe. Pope Leo XIV opened his address with the Sign of the Cross, invoking the presence of Christ, who “died and rose again, gave us life, and called us to serve.”
A Call to Friendship with Christ
Drawing from the Gospel of John, the Pope described the priest as a “friend of the Lord,” whose ministry is rooted in a personal, trusting relationship with Christ. This friendship, he said, is nourished through prayer, the Sacraments, and meditation on the Word. “Only those who live in friendship with Christ and are permeated by his Spirit can proclaim with authenticity, console with compassion, and guide with wisdom,” he stated.
The pontiff outlined three key implications for priestly formation:
-
Formation as a Relational Journey: Priestly formation goes beyond acquiring knowledge, requiring a holistic transformation of the heart, mind, and will. This process shapes priests in the image of the Good Shepherd, fostering a rich interior life through deep listening and prayer.
-
Fraternity as Essential to Ministry: Priests are called to live as brothers, not competitors, building strong bonds within the presbytery. “How could we be builders of living communities if there did not reign among us first of all an effective and sincere fraternity?” the Pope asked, advocating for a synodal Church rooted in shared joys and struggles.
-
Forming Missionary Disciples: Formation must prepare priests to love, listen, pray, and serve together. The Pope stressed the importance of well-prepared formators whose lives exemplify communion and service. He also highlighted the role of seminaries in fostering vocations, urging youth ministry programs to create spaces where young people can hear God’s call.
Vocations and the Sacred Heart
Reflecting on the eve of the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pope Leo XIV described the Heart of Christ as the “burning bush” from which priestly vocations originate. He encouraged priests to draw inspiration from Pope Francis’ encyclical Dilexit Nos, which calls for a balance of mysticism and social commitment. “Our time challenges us,” he said, noting that while many seem distant from faith, there remains a deep thirst for God, particularly among the young.
The Pope urged priests to renew their missionary impulse, proposing the Gospel with courage and love. “When someone believes, it is seen,” he said, emphasizing that a priest’s happiness reflects their encounter with Christ, making them credible witnesses in their service.
Gratitude and Solidarity
Expressing gratitude to priests worldwide, especially those serving in challenging or dangerous contexts, the Pope honored those who have given their lives for the faith. “Thank you for what you are,” he said. “You remind everyone that it is beautiful to be priests, and that every call from the Lord is first of all a call to his joy.”
The address was marked by moments of warmth, including a priest’s request for a hug, which the Pope humorously accepted as “one for all” to the delight of the assembly. He also acknowledged attendees from diverse regions, playfully asking those from Latin America, Africa, Asia, Europe, and the United States to raise their hands.
A Call to Prayer and Closeness
Concluding with a moment of prayer, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of spiritual companionship for priests, urging them to seek guidance from confessors and spiritual directors. “No one here is alone,” he assured, encouraging closeness with the Lord, bishops, and fellow priests. The gathering closed with the Our Father, a Hail Mary, and a papal blessing.
The Pope’s message resonated as a call to renewal, urging priests to live as friends of Christ, brothers in ministry, and missionary disciples dedicated to serving the People of God.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican.va
Related Images:
