VATICAN CITY – Pope Leo XIV has called on Redemptorist and Scalabrinian Bishops to continue their self-sacrificial service to God’s flock, despite ongoing challenges.
Immediate Impact
In a heartfelt address at the Vatican on Thursday, Pope Leo XIV expressed gratitude to the Bishops for their unwavering commitment to their spiritual duties. He emphasized the importance of conforming minds and hearts generously and selflessly for the good of the entire Flock of Christ.
Key Details Emerge
The Holy Father began his remarks by expressing joy over the meeting, which brought together two religious Congregations, fostering dialogue among the Bishops. “This exchange,” he noted, “certainly enriches the Bishops present, your Communities, and the entire people of God, as taught by the Second Vatican Council.”
“The Church is grateful to your Institutes, which—through the appointment of Bishops from among your members—have made a significant sacrifice, especially in times of declining vocations,” Pope Leo XIV stated.
Significant Sacrifices
Pope Leo acknowledged the challenges faced by the religious Institutes, noting the difficulties of being deprived of confreres engaged in various ministries. “At the same time, however,” he continued, “the Church has made a great gift to your Congregations, because service to the universal Church is the greatest grace and joy for any religious Family, as your Founders would surely affirm.”
Background Context
The Pope highlighted the important charisms of the Scalabrinian and Redemptorist religious, particularly their service to migrants and the evangelization of the poor and distant. He referenced the founders, Saint Alphonsus Maria de’ Liguori and Saint John Baptist Scalabrini, as exemplars of responding to social challenges with faith and action.
“Both were Founders, both became Bishops, and both responded to the challenges of social and economic systems which, while opening new frontiers on various levels, left behind much unheard misery and many unresolved problems,” Pope Leo remarked.
Encouragement for the Present
Pope Leo XIV underscored the necessity of wise discernment in today’s world, urging the Bishops to maintain and cultivate fraternal bonds of mutual support. He expressed confidence that their dialogue would be beneficial in guiding their ministries.
“I encourage you to maintain and cultivate these fraternal bonds of mutual support also in the future, with generosity and selflessness, for the good of the entire Flock of Christ,” Pope Leo XIV said.
What Comes Next
The Pope concluded his address by imparting his Apostolic Blessing upon the Bishops and their communities, thanking them for their great work. The meeting represents a continued commitment to addressing the spiritual and practical needs of the Church’s flock worldwide.
This development builds on a long history of the Church’s dedication to social justice and evangelization, reflecting ongoing efforts to adapt to contemporary challenges while remaining rooted in tradition.
