Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has called on Dominican provincial priors gathered in Krakow for their General Chapter to remain deeply attuned to the voice of the Holy Spirit, urging them to draw renewed strength from their vocation as preachers of the Gospel amid the challenges of the modern world.
In a heartfelt letter addressed to Fr. Gerard Timoner, Master of the Order of Preachers, the Pope expressed his spiritual closeness and support, offering prayers that the gathering would become a moment of deep renewal rooted in the unwavering hope of Christ. “May these days be filled with grace,” he wrote, “as you reflect on the mission entrusted to you as heralds of the Good News.”
Pope Leo underscored the importance of the General Chapter’s theme, which reflects on how the Dominican charism can reach four vital groups: those who do not yet know Christ, the faithful, the estranged, and the youth. He praised the relevance of these priorities and urged participants to engage in honest, Spirit-led discernment.
“My prayer is that your time of deliberation will open your hearts to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who continues to lead the Church into all truth,” he wrote.
Highlighting the life and vision of Saint Dominic, Pope Leo encouraged the priors to deepen their commitment to the evangelical way of life he modeled a life grounded in prayer, study, community, and preaching. He emphasized the need for fraternal unity, reminding the Dominicans that their shared vocation should be a wellspring of strength and spiritual witness.
“Let your experience of brotherhood and prayer rekindle the communion that binds you together as sons of Dominic,” the Pope wrote. “And may this unity inspire each of you to live more fully your calling as contemplative preachers in today’s world.”
In closing, Pope Leo entrusted the work of the General Chapter to the care of the Blessed Virgin Mary, encouraging the Dominican family to look to her as both intercessor and model of faithful discipleship. He concluded with his apostolic blessing, extending it to all members of the Order.
Confident in their ongoing witness, Pope Leo affirmed his belief that the Dominican Order would continue to “serve faithfully at the heart of the Church, bearing fruit in fidelity to their sacred mission.”