Vatican City: Addressing a gathering of nearly 4,000 seminarians and their formators who traveled to Rome for the Jubilee celebrations, Pope Leo XIV delivered a heartfelt exhortation, urging them to cultivate deep enthusiasm for the priestly vocation and to reflect the love of Christ in all they do.
Speaking in St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pope described the visiting seminarians not merely as pilgrims but as beacons of hope who keep alive the flame of faith within the Church. He offered them a profound meditation centered on the Sacred Heart of Jesus, emphasizing that their journey is one of joyful service and compassionate presence.
Pope Leo encouraged the seminarians to become living witnesses of Christ’s abundant generosity and mercy. He called on them to radiate His joy and tenderness, embodying a spirit of welcome and proximity to others. The Holy Father also invited them to allow the Holy Spirit to sanctify their humanity, preparing them interiorly even before they receive the sacrament of Holy Orders.
In his message, Pope Leo underscored the sacred duty entrusted to future priests: to live passionately, serve selflessly, and mirror the Heart of Jesus in their ministry and daily lives.