In his annual Christmas greetings to the Roman Curia, Pope Francis extends a heartfelt invitation to embrace the spirit of the ongoing Synodal process, emphasizing the importance of listening, discernment, and journeying in the life of the Church.

Pope underscores the significance of true listening, citing the Virgin Mary as an exemplary model. He urges members of the Curia to listen not only with their ears but also with their hearts, emphasizing the need for an interior openness that transcends the mere exchange of information. Quoting Saint Benedict,  Pope highlights the essence of listening with "the ear of your heart."

 Pope advocates for humility in listening, suggesting that a humble posture, even "on our knees," is essential to set aside preconceived notions and truly understand the desires and needs of others. He warns against the temptation to be like "hungry wolves" who devour words without genuine understanding, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an evangelical spirit marked by sincere and non-judgmental listening.

Moving to the second theme, discernment, Pope Francis recalls the story of John the Baptist, emphasizing the necessity of discernment in our spiritual journey. He highlights the humility and courage required for discernment, cautioning against the rigid application of rules without a deep understanding of God's will.

Pope explains that discernment frees us from the illusion of omniscience and challenges the temptation to perpetuate familiar patterns. He encourages members of the Curia to be docile to the Holy Spirit and make decisions based on the Gospel rather than worldly criteria.

The final theme, journeying, is illustrated through the story of the Magi. Pope Francis stresses the importance of embracing the joy of the Gospel, which leads to discipleship and a journey towards encountering the Lord. He warns against the dangers of fear, rigidity, and monotony, urging the Curia to pursue a constant search for truth and remain open to growth.

Pope advises against falling into the trap of bureaucracy and mediocrity, emphasizing the need to avoid rigid ideological positions. The journey, according to Pope Francis, begins "from above," guided by the call of the Lord and the illumination of God's word.

Pope Francis concludes with a call to courage, love, and humility in the journey of faith and service. Sharing an anecdote about a zealous priest, he acknowledges the challenges of rekindling passion in those who have lost it. He emphasizes that the real difference in the Church is between lovers and those who have lost their initial passion.

Expressing gratitude for the silent work done by the Curia, Pope invokes the Lord's grace to rejoice in humble and generous service and humorously adds, "Please, may we never lose our sense of humor!"