In an audience with moderators of lay associations, ecclesial movements, and new communities, Pope Leo highlights hierarchical and charismatic gifts as essential aspects of the Church.
Newsroom (06/06/2025 07:30 , Gaudium Press) In a heartfelt address delivered in Clementine Hall, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV spoke to moderators, international leaders, and delegates of lay associations, ecclesial movements, and new communities, emphasizing the vital role of unity and mission in the Church’s life. The annual meeting, organized by the Dicastery for the Laity, the Family and Life, brought together representatives of groups recognized or established by the Holy See.
Pope Leo XIV opened his address with gratitude, acknowledging the dedication of those who guide thousands of faithful in their Christian journey. “Supporting and encouraging our brothers and sisters on their Christian journey calls for responsibility and commitment,” he said, recognizing the challenges and misunderstandings that can arise in leadership roles. He expressed the Church’s appreciation for their efforts, noting, “The Church is grateful to you for all the good that you do.”
The Role of Charisms and Grace
The Pope highlighted the diversity of the groups present, some founded for apostolic, charitable, or liturgical purposes, while others emerged from a charismatic inspiration. Quoting Saint Augustine, he reminded attendees that the Christian life is inherently communal: “They became God’s temple, not only as individuals; together they were built into the temple of God.” He stressed that no one is Christian alone, underscoring the communal nature of faith where Christ is present when disciples gather.
Drawing from the Second Vatican Council’s Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of concerted action in apostolic work. He noted that associations enable a “much richer harvest” through collective efforts, training, and directed activities. He also referenced the Letter Iuvenescit Ecclesia, explaining that charisms, freely distributed by the Holy Spirit, allow sacramental grace to bear fruit in diverse ways. “Without charisms, there is a risk that Christ’s grace… may not find good soil to receive it,” he said, describing charisms as awakeners of the desire to encounter Christ.
The Pope reaffirmed the Church’s teaching that hierarchical and charismatic gifts are “co-essential” to its divine constitution, citing Saint John Paul II. He credited charisms with drawing people closer to Christ, fostering hope, and strengthening the Church’s maternal role through faith, community life, and evangelization.
A Call for Unity and Mission in Lay Associations
Pope Leo XIV urged the associations and movements to prioritize unity and mission, aligning their efforts with the Petrine ministry. He called for them to be a “leaven of unity” within the Church and the world, quoting Saint Paulinus of Nola: “We have one Head, one grace that fills us, we live on one Bread, we walk on one path and we live in the same house… We are one, in both the spirit and the body of the Lord. If we separate ourselves from that One, we become nothing” He encouraged fostering communion with Church Pastors and solidarity with other ecclesial realities to counter discord and violence.
On mission, the Pope reflected on his own pastoral experience, noting that the encounter with Christ fuels the desire to share the Gospel. He praised the groups’ missionary zeal, which has led them to evangelize in challenging environments, and urged them to maintain this enthusiasm. “Today as always, movements have a fundamental role in the work of evangelization,” he said, encouraging them to leverage their members’ skills in both new and local mission fields.
A Personal Encouragement
In his concluding remarks, Pope Leo XIV expressed hope for future meetings to deepen mutual understanding. He called on the groups to keep Jesus at the center, noting that charisms exist to foster encounters with Christ and build up the Church. Quoting Philippians 2:7, he emphasized self-emptying as a path to enrich others, bringing “freedom and great joy.”
The Pope entrusted the attendees to the protection of Mary, Mother of the Church, and imparted his Apostolic Blessing to them and those they represent. The address underscored the enduring importance of lay associations and movements in the Church’s mission, reinforcing their role as vital instruments of grace and unity.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from the Vatican.va
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