Pope Leo XIV tells Italian superiors: Use synodality to govern with hope, rotate roles, avoid self-reference in religious communities.
Newsroom (07/11/2025, Gaudium Press) Pope Leo XIV on Friday urged major superiors of Italian religious orders to harness synodality in governance, warning against “stagnation” and self-referential tendencies while inspiring hope among members.
Addressing participants in the 65th General Assembly of the Italian Conference of Major Superiors (CISM) at the Vatican on November 7, the pontiff reflected on the assembly’s theme: “Governing Hope: Forms and styles of governance in the Provinces of a synodal Church.”
“The community of believers has never shied away from the stimuli or challenges of the times and places in which it has lived,” Pope Leo said, emphasizing the Church’s ongoing mission to bring “Christ’s message to every area of society and every part of the world.”
He praised the “significant and providential” role of religious life, noting the superiors’ thematic choice as evidence of their commitment amid the Church’s synodal journey.
Drawing from the Final Document of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, released in October 2024, the Pope highlighted three interconnected processes: ecclesial discernment, careful decision-making, and accountability with evaluation.
“Fidelity to the Church guides and enlightens the involvement of the brothers, and it nourishes their co-responsibility, ensuring transparency and fostering that mutual openness which alone can promote the cooperation of all,” he stated.
He advocated “sincere discussion, sharing, and fraternal correction” to counter particularistic tendencies, alongside regular rotation of responsibilities to prevent “rigidity and sclerosis.”
“Ultimately, it is a journey of purification,” Pope Leo said, aimed at freeing individuals and communities for growth and charity, renewing “charismatic fidelity” by shedding non-essential structures.
The pontiff noted that consecrated life has historically developed synodal practices, such as harmonizing gifts and pursuing common missions, making religious particularly suited to advance global synodality efforts.
He celebrated the “growing interculturality” of communities mirroring diverse societies but cautioned that these riches are “dynamic” and require ongoing nourishment, attention, and healing.
“The ministry of authority can contribute significantly to this, with forms and styles of ‘government’ suited to inspiring hope in the journey of our brothers, supporting their generous and fruitful apostolate,” he added.
Concluding with St. Augustine’s Soliloquies, Pope Leo underscored the synodal responsibility toward brothers: seeking God and souls together, where discoveries are easily shared.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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