Rome: As part of the International Jubilee of Priests, Pope Leo XIV delivered a heartfelt message to more than 1,700 priests, seminarians, and formators gathered at the Auditorium Conciliazione in Rome. Under the theme “Joyful Priests I Have Called You Friends,” the Pope’s address centered on the crucial role of fraternity in the life and mission of the priesthood. He reminded all present that, in their vocation and spiritual journey, no priest is ever truly alone.
The event, held from June 25–27, was not merely a conference or a formal training session. Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Clergy, emphasized in his opening remarks that this gathering was a true ecclesial and synodal experience a time for renewal, spiritual brotherhood, and deep reflection. He reminded the clergy that the goal was to rediscover the joy of priesthood rooted in friendship with Christ. Being a joyful priest, he said, was not just a slogan but a reality to be lived each day.
Pope Leo, in his address, echoed this call to joyful fraternity. Drawing from the words of Christ“I have called you friends” he explained that friendship with Jesus is not simply a beautiful phrase, but the very foundation of priestly identity. The Pope laid out three key insights about priestly formation and life. First, he said that formation must be relationship-based, not just academic. Learning theology is important, he affirmed, but it is even more vital to grow in personal intimacy with God. This, he said, is the soil in which fruitful priesthood blossoms.
Secondly, Pope Leo highlighted that fraternity must be a living reality among priests. Rivalry, competition, or isolation have no place in the priestly life. “How can we build vibrant, life-giving communities,” he asked, “if we ourselves fail to live in brotherhood?” He encouraged priests and seminarians to cultivate deep, spiritual friendships with one another relationships rooted in mutual trust, prayer, and shared mission.
The third insight he offered was the need to form men capable of loving, listening, praying, and serving together. This, the Pope said, requires strong and holy formators in seminaries people who not only teach but also model what it means to live as a man of God, in community. A seminary, he said, should never be a place of isolation but a school of communion where future priests learn to serve as brothers, not lone warriors.
Turning to the present-day challenges facing vocations and priestly life, Pope Leo acknowledged that many priests today feel discouraged or overwhelmed, especially in the face of cultural shifts and declining vocations. Yet, he reminded them that God continues to call men to the priesthood, and many still respond with great generosity. He urged priests not to be afraid to present the priestly vocation with courage and clarity to the younger generation, reminding them that bold and authentic witness can inspire others to hear God’s call.
The meeting took place on the eve of the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and Pope Leo took the opportunity to reflect on the profound love at the heart of priestly ministry. He referenced Dilexit Nos, the Jubilee encyclical of Pope Francis, noting that every human person is made for God, and that a priest’s joy and credibility come from his own intimate friendship with Christ. “When someone truly believes,” the Pope said, “you can see it the joy of the minister reflects the light of that encounter.”
In a touching moment toward the end of the meeting, one priest approached Pope Leo and asked for a hug. The Pope embraced him warmly and turned to the assembly, saying, “This hug is for all of you.” He reiterated the theme of his message: “No one here is alone.” Even in the most remote missions, he reminded them, priests can find strength in their brotherhood, in spiritual directors, and most of all, in God’s grace. He encouraged all priests to be close to one another and to nurture a spirit of communion, which he called essential for building healthy and holy communities.
Pope Leo concluded by reminding the clergy that their strength is not in numbers or success, but in the grace of God and their unity in love. “Always count on God’s grace and my closeness too,” he said, “and together, we can be a prophetic voice in the world.”
In an age marked by isolation and spiritual fatigue, the Pope’s words were a healing balm a reminder that priesthood is not a solitary path, but a journey walked together, under the gaze of a loving God.