Vatican City: In a heartfelt address to leaders of lay associations, ecclesial movements, and emerging spiritual communities, Pope Leo XIV urged them to remain firmly rooted in Christ, reminding them that all charisms and institutional efforts must serve the central mission of bringing people to Jesus.
The gathering, held as part of an annual event organized by the Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life, brought together international moderators and delegates of Catholic associations recognized by the Holy See. In his remarks, the Pope emphasized the vital harmony between hierarchical and charismatic gifts, calling both “co-essential to the divine structure of the Church, as established by Christ.”
Drawing a distinction between different forms of community life, Pope Leo explained that some lay groups emerge from a shared apostolic or pastoral vision, while others arise from a unique spiritual charism. Regardless of origin, he stressed, both exist only insofar as they channel grace: “The institutional dimension ensures the continuous offering of grace, while charisms make hearts ready to receive it and bear fruit.”
Quoting Pope St. John Paul II, Pope Leo reaffirmed that the Church thrives through the coexistence of these two modes of grace—one structured, the other spontaneous—each strengthening the other in service of the Gospel.
Central to the Pope’s message was a call for unity and a renewed sense of mission. These, he said, are not only essential components of the Church’s life but also core responsibilities of the Petrine ministry.
“I urge you,” Pope Leo said, “to be instruments of unity—within your communities and in the wider Church. Let the harmony you nurture in your movements radiate outward, stitching the Church closer together in Christ.”
He also called on lay movements to rekindle their missionary enthusiasm. Referencing his own pastoral journey, Pope Leo encouraged the faithful to transform their spiritual energy into service: “Let your gifts be placed at the feet of the Church’s mission. Never let them become ornaments of pride.”
In closing, the Pope reminded the delegates that every authentic charism ultimately leads to a deeper relationship with Christ and a stronger Church. “True discipleship,” he said, “is marked by self-emptying—by offering ourselves for the good of others.”
Echoing the humility of Christ, Pope Leo urged ecclesial communities to imitate the Lord who, though divine, emptied Himself in love for humanity: “To give of ourselves freely is to discover a freedom filled with joy. In this lies the heart of all evangelization.”
The Pope’s words resonated as both a pastoral encouragement and a spiritual challenge—inviting modern ecclesial movements to stay rooted in faith, driven by unity, and shaped by the radical self-giving of Christ.