Vatican City: In a profound reflection delivered during the Jubilee of Bishops, Pope Leo XIV offered a powerful call for Bishops across the world to be men deeply rooted in communion, hope, and pastoral charity. Addressing prelates who had entered Saint Peter’s Basilica through the Holy Door, the Pope reminded them that before becoming shepherds, they are first sheep members of the Lord’s flock, called to conform themselves fully to the heart of Christ.
Pope Leo emphasized that Bishops must allow themselves to be inwardly renewed by Jesus, the Good Shepherd. “If we are to guide the churches entrusted to us,” he said, “we must let Christ reshape us from within, so that we may become transparent signs of His love and mercy.” He warned against mere functionality in ministry and instead invited Bishops to rediscover the joy of being rooted in God’s presence.
Recalling the theme of the 2025 Jubilee Year, “Hope does not disappoint,” the Pope urged Bishops to become living witnesses to hope through their example by leading lives entirely grounded in God and wholly committed to the mission of the Church. He stressed that hope is not simply an abstract virtue, but something made visible in the way Bishops accompany their people, particularly in moments of suffering, confusion, and discouragement.
Focusing on the Bishop’s role as the “visible principle of unity” within the local Church, Pope Leo underlined the responsibility of building communion among the faithful and with the universal Church. This, he said, involves recognizing and nurturing the diversity of charisms and ministries within the diocese. The Bishop must be a bridge-builder, a servant of harmony who enables every member of the Church to flourish in the Gospel.
Pope Leo also described the Bishop as one who lives a truly theological life—open and docile to the Holy Spirit, and filled with the virtues of faith, hope, and love. Drawing a parallel to Moses, the Pope said a Bishop must be someone who can look ahead with vision, persevere in trials, and intercede for his people. Through hope, he should guide the faithful not only with words, but through personal closeness and concrete acts of compassion.
Highlighting the centrality of pastoral charity, the Pope noted that it is the beating heart of a Bishop’s vocation. Drawing strength from the Eucharist and a disciplined life of prayer, Bishops are called to radiate the love of Christ in all their relationships. “In this way,” the Pope said, “the Bishop becomes not just an overseer, but a father and brother to all.”
Pope Leo then detailed the core virtues that every Bishop must strive to embody: pastoral prudence to guide wisely, evangelical poverty as a sign of detachment from worldly ambition, and perfect continence in celibacy, reflecting total dedication to Christ. He emphasized that Bishops must be bold and decisive in responding to any form of scandal, especially when it involves minors, and must uphold current Church laws with utmost seriousness.
In addition to spiritual virtues, Pope Leo encouraged the cultivation of human qualities vital for authentic pastoral leadership fairness, sincerity, self-control, patience, the ability to listen, and a genuine willingness to serve. These, he said, are not optional traits but essential dimensions of a Bishop’s vocation in today’s Church.
Concluding his meditation, Pope Leo entrusted Bishops and their dioceses to the protection and intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as well as Saints Peter and Paul. He prayed especially that Bishops might become true “men of communion,” fostering unity among their priests and encouraging fraternal love within their communities. “A spirit of communion,” he said, “strengthens the pastoral mission of priests and nurtures the growth of the local Church in unity and grace.”
In a time of division and uncertainty, the Pope’s message was clear: the Church needs Bishops who are not merely administrators or public figures, but shepherds molded in the image of Christ, whose lives echo the Gospel and whose hearts beat with love for God’s people.