Pope Leo receives employees of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, telling them that in an era of “profound changes” the Lord asks us to “not to withdraw into ourselves or to be afraid, but rather to give of ourselves generously”.
By Isabella Piro
Service, belonging, and mission are the three fundamental aspects of service to the Church.
That’s what Pope Leo told employees of the Italian Bishops’ Conference (CEI), whom he received in audience this morning, May 2, together with their families. Also present were the President and the Secretary General of the CEI, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi and Archbishop Giuseppe Baturi.
READ THE FULL TEXT OF THE POPE’S ADDRESS HERE
Speaking to some 800 people in total, the Pope expressed gratitude for the “delicate commitment” carried out daily by those present. He emphasized the importance of working with care, patience, and dedication, and taking care of the environments they work in.
“These are simple things,” the Pope said, “but useful for the good of all—and they are great things before God. In the life of the Church, nothing is small if done with faith, love, and this spirit of communion.”
Pope Leo with Cardinal Zuppi, the head of the Italian Bishops’ Conference (@VATICAN MEDIA)
Active participation
The Italian bishops’ offices, Pope Leo continued, are not mere structures, but instruments that help the Churches in Italy remain in communion, woven into a cohesive ecclesial fabric.
“Yours”, the Bishop of Rome said, “is a ‘service to service,’ a work that supports other work, a commitment that makes possible the contribution of many, a collaboration that helps local Churches proclaim the Good News, walk together, and be a living presence of the Lord in this country and in the world.”
At the center of this service, Pope Leo XIV stressed, are not individuals, offices, or programs, but the Lord, in whom “every activity finds its meaning.”
“Serving in the Church is not simply carrying out a function,” he stressed, “but actively participating, as members, in the life of a body whose head is the Lord.”
The Pope invited his listeners to feel a sense of belonging: “The Bride of Christ cannot be served as spectators, but only with the love of those who know they belong to her, in a bond of faith and communion that is first and foremost a gift of grace, a gift from God.”
The Pope speaks to employees of the Italian Bishops’ Conference (@Vatican Media)
An era of great change
Finally, Pope Leo XIV turned to consider the theme of mission, which he called “a fundamental dimension of the life of the People of God”, especially in a time of great transformation.
“We are living in an era of profound changes,” the Pope said, “in the family, in school, in work, in communication, in social participation, in the transmission of faith, even in Italy.”
But the Church, the Pope emphasized, “exists to proclaim Christ, building bridges, creating relationships, offering welcome and help to anyone in need of support, listening, and love.”
He thus stressed that “ the Lord asks us not to withdraw into ourselves or to be afraid, but rather to give of ourselves generously so that the Gospel may reach and enlighten every woman and every man today.”
Bringing his speech to a close, Pope Leo XIV entrusted the journey of the Italian Bishops’ Conference and the local Churches to Saints Francis of Assisi and Catherine of Siena, patrons of Italy.
