Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has called on young priests preparing for the diplomatic service of the Holy See to live their vocation with humility, compassion, and unwavering faith. Addressing priests of the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy who have just completed a year of missionary service, the Holy Father emphasized the importance of rooted, pastoral experience in shaping future ambassadors of the Church.
Welcoming the group warmly at the Vatican, Pope Leo thanked them for their dedication during their missionary assignments. He expressed special appreciation to Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio, President of the Academy, and the Prefect of Studies, for guiding these young priests in their journey toward service on behalf of the Holy See.
The Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy trains priests for diplomatic missions through theological and canonical studies, preparing them for global representation of the Church. Pope Leo noted that the recently added missionary year is not merely a preparatory step, but a pivotal, grounding experience that connects future Church diplomats to the lives and struggles of the faithful.
Quoting Pope Francis’ vision of Church service, Pope Leo reminded the priests of the need to be “shepherds with their feet on the ground” clergy who remain close to the people and attentive to their realities. He explained that whether they go on to serve in nunciatures or in other Church missions, their calling must be anchored in simplicity, listening, and sincere pastoral presence.
“The care of the universal Church requires hearts that are humble and hands that are ready to serve,” he said. “I urge you to live your priesthood as a gift one that is expressed in meekness, in listening, and in closeness to others.”
The Pope praised the priests for their willingness to serve in often challenging and unfamiliar environments during their missionary year. Their openness, he said, reflects the kind of spirit needed in the Church’s diplomatic corps: a witness that conveys the Pope’s spiritual closeness to the peoples and Churches they will encounter across the globe.
“As you look ahead to your next mission, wherever that may be,” Pope Leo concluded, “know that the Pope must be able to rely on you not just as skilled representatives, but as men of prayer, faith, and living testimony.”