Press Release
of the Vicariate of Rome

Pope Francis to meet priests ordained
from 11 to 39 years ago

A moment of listening and dialogue this afternoon at the Salesian Pontifical University

Today, 11 June 2024, at around 15.30, Pope Francis will go to the Salesian Pontifical University and, in the Paul VI Great Hall (Piazza dell’Ateneo Salesiano, 1), he will meet with priests from their eleventh to thirty-ninth year of ordination. In total, approximately five hundred priests will participate, and the event will also be attended by Bishop Baldo Reina, vicegerent of the diocese of Rome, and Bishop Michele Di Tolve, delegate for the care of the diaconate, the clergy and religious life. After the appointment of 14 May with the eldest priests of the diocese, and that of 29 May with the youngest, the moments of listening and dialogue with the clergy will thus continue.

‘They have been on the priestly path for twenty years”, notes Monsignor Di Tolve. The priests with between eleven and thirty-nine years of ordination are those who already have responsibilities in the diocese, because they are parish priests, prefects, chaplains, directors of curia offices, they deal with specific areas of pastoral work such as charity, or hold teaching positions in schools and universities. We could say that they are somewhat the pillars of the pastoral and presbyteral life of the diocese, because they are the ones entrusted with the most responsibility”. This afternoon's meeting, continued the bishop, is the third with the presbyters of the diocese in less than a month, divided by year of ordination. He adds, “The Holy Father will reflect on how to continue this constant relationship with his priests, most of whom are already involved in summer activities, educational activities such as summer oratories and camps. It is important to educate also in this particular time that the Church sees as fruitful for the youngest, for teenagers and children, the youngest members of the diocese”.

11 June 2024

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Giulia Rocchi
Press and Social Communications Office of the Vicariate of Rome
tel. +390669886343/150; +393393749085
e-mail stampa@diocesidiroma.it; giulia.rocchi@diocesidiroma.it