Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV on Thursday invited the Church’s newly appointed bishops to embrace their ministry with courage, humility, and openness, urging them to serve as “builders of bridges” in a world fractured by division, misinformation, and mistrust.
Meeting the bishops at the close of an audience in the Synod Hall, the Holy Father held a candid question-and-answer session that touched on themes ranging from clergy misconduct and the challenges of modern ministry to the dangers of social media and the thirst for authentic spirituality among young people.
According to the Holy See Press Office, Pope Leo acknowledged the fears and uncertainties that often accompany the beginning of episcopal ministry. He encouraged the bishops to remain rooted in prayer, to lean on the Holy Spirit as the true source of their calling, and to avoid overreliance on “ready-made answers” from seminary days. “Pastors must be close to their priests and their people,” he said, calling for leaders who can listen, discern, and guide with mercy, even in difficult moments.
Reaffirming his commitment to synodality, Pope Leo described it not as a method but as “a style of Church, a way of listening and walking together.” He called on bishops to integrate the laity more fully into the life of the Church and to promote peace that is “disarmed and disarming.” The Pope urged dialogue with people of other faiths and respect for minority communities, insisting that the Christian witness of love and mercy is the most powerful form of evangelization.
The Pope was clear on the issue of inappropriate behavior by clergy. “Such conduct cannot be filed away,” he said, stressing that it must be confronted directly, with justice for victims and fairness for the accused. The bishops, he warned, cannot allow misconduct to erode trust in the Church’s witness.
Turning to the digital world, Pope Leo cautioned the bishops about the risks of misinformation online. “On social media, everyone feels entitled to say whatever they want, even falsehoods,” he remarked. He advised them to approach communication with prudence, calmness, and professional guidance, underlining that painful truths are sometimes necessary, but truth itself must always prevail.
The Holy Father urged bishops not to enclose themselves within narrow groups but to remain open to dialogue, collaboration, and the wisdom of others including the guidance of emeritus bishops who can accompany them in their ministry. He reminded them that no bishop carries the burden of leadership alone, but shares it with the universal Church.
On seminary formation, Pope Leo encouraged openness to vocations while also ensuring careful discernment and spiritual accompaniment. He highlighted the role of lay people and ecclesial movements in supporting mission, especially in local Churches facing hardship. Reflecting on the tenth anniversary of Laudato si’, the Pope pressed bishops to integrate environmental concerns into their pastoral agenda, while safeguarding the Church’s teaching on human dignity and anthropology.
The Pope also reflected on the deep spiritual hunger among youth, particularly in Europe. He observed that young people cannot quench their thirst for God either in the superficialities of the digital world or in the routine activities of parishes alone. Bishops, he said, must walk with them, offering authentic experiences of communion, prayer, and community.
Concluding the session, Pope Leo thanked the bishops for their generous “yes” to episcopal ministry, assuring them of his prayers. “You are not alone,” he told them. “Together, we proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” He then imparted his blessing before greeting each bishop personally in the atrium of the Paul VI Hall.