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At the end of his address to newly-appointed bishops in the Synod Hall yesterday morning, 11 September, the Pope continued by offering a summary of the challenges and themes that they find themselves facing at the beginning of a new ministry, such as fears, feelings of unworthiness, and the different expectations each had for their lives before their calling. He pointed out the need to remain close to the Lord, to preserve time for prayer, and to continue to live with unconditional trust in the Holy Spirit, the source of their calling. Pope Leo emphasized the value of the pastoral and human experience gained in a local Church, to be developed in a new ministry that brings bishops into contact with the universality of the Church, and spoke of the value of witness, of the ability to renew one’s contact with the world in order to respond to the questions that men and women are asking themselves at this time, about the meaning of life and evil in the world: “Ready-made answers learned twenty-five years ago in the seminary are not enough”, he said. And he called on the new bishops to be persevering disciples, not afraid of the first difficulty, pastors close to the people and to the priests, merciful and steadfast, even when it is necessary to judge, and capable of listening and dialogue, not only of delivering sermons. In this regard, he added some words on synodality, not as a pastoral method but “a style of Church, of listening and of the common pursuit of the mission to which we are called”, and, he continued, “be bridge-builders”. He urged them to value the role and integration of laypeople in the life of the Church, and to serve an “unarmed and disarming” peace, because “peace is a challenge for all!”. Finally, before answering some questions, the Pope urged everyone to be prompt in confronting matters regarding inappropriate behaviour on the part of the clergy: “They cannot be put away in a drawer; they must be faced, with a sense of mercy and justice towards the victims and towards the accused”. He thanked the new bishops for accepting the ministry: “I pray for you. The Church appreciates your ‘yes’; you are not alone. Let us carry the burden together, and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ together”.

In response to questions from the bishops, the Pope spoke about the need to be prudent in the use of social networks, where there is the risk that “everyone feels authorized to say what he or she wants, even things that are false”, and he added, “there are moments in which reaching the truth is painful”, but necessary. In this regard it is useful to seek help from communications professionals, people trained in this field, summarizing his thoughts on the matter as follows: “Calm, a clear head, and the help of a professional”.

Speaking about the challenge of every new ministry, the Pope spoke about what it means to him personally, urging the bishops to trust in the grace of God and in the grace of state, to recognize their own gifts and their own limits, such as the need for help from others, perhaps relying on the valuable experience of a good bishop emeritus who can accompany or help, and he warned against the temptation to form a group and close oneself off in it.

Pope Leo reiterated the need to build bridges, to seek dialogue, even where Christians are a minority, with authentic respect for people of other religious traditions, especially through the witness of authentic love and Christian mercy, because “they will recognize you by how you love”.

The Pope spoke about formation in seminaries, the responsibility of initial formation. He urged them to welcome those who come, to welcome vocations, while asking them to accompany each person in discovering other dimensions of the Gospel and of Christian and missionary life. And in speaking about mission, he suggested also suggested reliance on those laypeople who are authentically missionary in movements, who can be a source of hope for the local Church.

When asked about the serious consequences of environmental crises, the Pope recalled the tenth anniversary of the Encyclical Laudato si' and encouraged the promotion of this theme in pastoral care. He added that on this important front, “the Church will be present”, without, however, mixing in other issues that are contrary to Christian anthropology.  

The topics touched on the relations among the various bodies of the universal and particular Church; the process of appointing bishops, which is being studied by some of the groups set up during the Synod; the many ongoing crises in the world and the need to share them and face them together; and the value of the presence of the bishop, who should be close to those who are suffering. Mention was made of young people, particularly in Europe, after the recent Jubilee; their questions on communion and prayer, and their thirst for spiritual life, which they have not been able to satisfy either in the virtual world, or in the “typical experiences of our parishes”.

At the end, the Pope imparted his blessing to the bishops present, then greeting them individually in the atrium of the Paul VI Hall.