In a poignant discourse on the nature of love and its fundamental role in the priesthood, Pope Francis shared his wisdom with seminarians and formators from the Pontifical Latin-American, Brazilian, and Mexican Colleges. Emphasizing that love, especially first love, is the cornerstone of their calling, he underscored the importance of nurturing this love as their foremost duty.

During his address on Thursday, Pope elaborated on the notion that every vocation stems from a divine preference of love, highlighting the special mission priests are bestowed with: selflessly serving others in God's name. He delved into the concept of acting "in persona Christi," describing it as embodying Christ through prayer, self-sacrifice, and humility.

Pope Francis articulated that prayer is the act of bringing every aspect of life into God's presence. He spoke of the self-giving nature of the priesthood as a Eucharistic offering, not merely as a theoretical commitment to martyrdom but as a profound dedication to executing God's will above one's own. Humility, he mentioned, is the acknowledgment of one's own spiritual journey and the constant need for prayer.

Urging priests and seminarians not to overlook the strength found in the prayers of those around them, he encouraged reliance on the intercessory prayers of the faithful and reminded them to pray for their leaders and for himself.

Pope's message was encapsulated in his invocation of Jesus' blessings upon the attendees and his prayer for their protection under Our Lady of Guadalupe, signifying her as a beacon of hope and guidance for the Americas. Through his words, Pope Francis reaffirmed the centrality of love in the pastoral ministry, inviting future priests to reflect on the depth of their vocation.