Pope Leo XIV ordains four bishops in Rome, urging unity, service to the marginalized, and renewed hope in the Church’s mission.
Newsroom (04/05/2026 Gaudium Press) At a solemn Mass in the Archbasilica of St John Lateran, Pope Leo XIV ordained four new auxiliary bishops for the Diocese of Rome, calling on them to become “men of peace and unity” and to serve as heralds of hope, especially for those on society’s margins.
Stefano Sparapani, Alessandro Zenobbi, Andrea Carlevale, and Marco Valenti were elevated to the episcopacy in what the Pope described as “a celebration of the people.” With the exception of Valenti, who hails from Cantalupo in Sabina, all were born in Rome, underscoring their deep roots in the local Church community they are now called to serve.
A Church Built on Unity
In his homily, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the transformative power of closeness to Christ, describing it as the foundation for unity among believers. “By attaching ourselves to Christ, we become a solid and welcoming home,” he said, framing the ordination within the Easter season’s message of renewal and joy.
He highlighted Rome’s unique vocation as a center of universality and charity, grounded in its spiritual heritage linked to the apostles Peter and Paul. The newly ordained bishops, he said, are entrusted with sustaining this mission, helping the Church grow “together in unity” while serving the broader people of God.
The ‘Rejected Stone’ as Cornerstone
Central to the Pope’s message was the biblical image of Christ as the “rejected stone” who becomes the cornerstone. Drawing from Scripture, he reflected on how Jesus identified with the marginalized—those considered unworthy or excluded—and transformed their dignity through acts of mercy and inclusion.
“The Church… places the rejected stone at the heart of the messianic proclamation,” Pope Leo XIV said, urging the new bishops to continue this mission in a modern context. He pointed to Christ’s example—healing the sick, forgiving sinners, and serving others—as the model for their ministry.
A Call to Serve the Marginalized
The Pope urged the bishops to actively seek out those who feel rejected or forgotten, echoing the vision of a Church that reaches the “material and existential peripheries.” He stressed that no one should feel excluded from God’s love, calling the bishops to proclaim this message through both words and actions.
He also warned against the temptations of status and privilege within ecclesiastical roles. “Do not indulge in the privileges your position might offer,” he said, encouraging them instead to embody humility and service, following Christ who “came not to be served, but to serve.”
Leadership Through Presence and Compassion
In practical terms, Pope Leo XIV called on the new bishops to remain accessible and supportive to clergy and laypeople alike. “Don’t be sought out, be found,” he advised, emphasizing a pastoral presence rooted in listening, accompaniment, and encouragement.
He further encouraged them to foster a sense of shared mission across the diocese, ensuring that priests, religious, and lay faithful never feel isolated in their work. Their leadership, he said, should help “rekindle hope” and highlight the enduring beauty of the Gospel.
A Vision of the Church as Mother
Concluding his homily, the Pope expressed hope that Rome would reflect the Church’s maternal character to all who encounter it, including the poor, pilgrims, and visitors from around the world. He invoked the protection of the Salus Populi Romani, a revered Marian icon, as a guiding presence for the Church’s journey.
The ordination marks a significant moment for the Diocese of Rome, reinforcing a vision of leadership grounded in unity, humility, and a renewed commitment to those most in need.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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