Pope Leo XIV ordained eleven new priests in Rome, emphasizing the importance of a transparent and credible priesthood. He urged the new priests to be witnesses of God's love and forgiveness, serving as stewards rather than lords. The Pope highlighted the significance of unity, encouraging the priests to follow Jesus' example and devote themselves to the people. He reminded the priests to consecrate themselves to the people they encounter, avoiding self-centeredness and isolation.
13 days ago
Pope Leo XIV ordained 11 new priests for the Diocese of Rome at a Mass in St. Peter's Basilica 2 3 4. The Pope himself celebrated the Mass, renewing a tradition that his predecessor had delegated 2. Four of the new priests were trained at the Redemptoris Mater seminary, and seven at the Pontifical Roman Seminary 2 3.
In his homily, Pope Leo XIV urged the new priests to lead transparent and credible lives 2 3 4. He emphasized the importance of the bonds between the priests and the people they serve 2. The Pope called on the priests to devote themselves to the people, without isolating themselves or considering their role a privilege 2 3. He reminded them that they are sent to serve a people who are all priests 2.
Pope Leo XIV emphasized the role of priests as signs of reconciliation in a divided church and world 3. He stated that priests are called to be witnesses of God's love and forgiveness 3. The Pope noted that while perfection is not attainable, credibility is essential for rebuilding the Church's integrity 3 2. He urged the priests to see the wounds of Christ as signs of transformation and reconciliation 3 4.
The 11 new priests ordained range in age from 28 to 49 years old 2. Seven of them were trained at the Rome diocesan seminary, while four attended the Rome Redemptoris Mater Seminary 3. Pope Leo XIV affirmed that the diversity of their backgrounds demonstrates God's ongoing work of gathering and unifying His children 2 3.
How does the priesthood serve the People of God?
The priesthood serves the People of God in several key ways, primarily through proclaiming the Gospel, administering the sacraments, and providing leadership and pastoral care . Priests act in the person of Christ, the Head and Shepherd, building up the Church and guiding the faithful .
Priests have the duty to preach the Gospel to all people, striving to conform their lives to the mystery they proclaim . They are called to take the proclamation of the Gospel to the men and women of their time, with a keen sense of responsibility and in full harmony with the Church's Magisterium . Through the apostolic proclamation of the Gospel, the People of God are called together and assembled .
Priests are ministers of the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, which is the source and summit of Christian life . They act in the person of Christ himself, offering the Eucharistic sacrifice and administering the other sacraments . Specifically, priests:
Priests are called to lead God's people in love, nourish them by the Word, and strengthen them through the sacraments . As those configured to Christ the Good Shepherd, priests show loving concern to the point of a total gift of self for the flock, gathering them into unity and leading them to the Father through Christ and in the Spirit . Their ministry is directed towards procuring the glory of God the Father in Christ, helping people to freely receive God's work and manifest it in their whole lives . Priests are also called to conform their whole life and activity to Jesus, embodying His way of life and making Him visible in the midst of the flock entrusted to their care .
In summary, the priesthood serves the People of God by proclaiming the Gospel, administering the sacraments, and providing leadership and pastoral care, all of which are essential for building up the Church and guiding the faithful towards salvation .