Rome: In a moving address at the Basilica of St. John Lateran, Pope Leo XIV urged the Diocese of Rome to embrace a pastoral ministry marked by openness, compassion, and genuine accompaniment. Speaking on Friday afternoon at the Diocesan Assembly, the Pope invited clergy, religious, and laity to strengthen their mission through a spirit of synodality, communion, and shared responsibility.
Crossing the River Tiber to join his diocesan community, Pope Leo XIV described the gathering as a profound encounter between shepherd and flock. “The Pope is such insofar as he is Bishop of Rome, and I am Bishop for you,” he told those assembled, calling the moment “a great embrace of the Bishop with his people.” He warmly thanked priests, deacons, consecrated men and women, and parish representatives for their service and witness in the life of the Church.
Reflecting on the Gospel account of the Samaritan woman at the well, the Pope pointed to the words of Jesus: “If you knew the gift of God” (Jn 4:10). He underlined the Holy Spirit as the “living water” that quenches human thirst and sustains the Church’s mission. Just as the Samaritan woman was transformed through her encounter with Christ, Pope Leo said the Church today must offer a living and life-giving presence to all.
Calling for renewal in parish life, the Pope emphasized the need for pastoral care that is supportive, empathetic, discreet, non-judgmental, and open to all. He cautioned against repeating old formulas without addressing the needs of today’s world. Instead, he proposed “a new apprenticeship in the faith” that introduces people to Christian living, walks with them through life’s seasons, and fosters authentic human relationships.
Highlighting the struggles of families, Pope Leo said many parents feel overwhelmed and tempted to withdraw from transmitting faith. “The task of the Church is not to replace them but to walk with them,” he explained, offering guidance and support as companions in the journey of faith.
Turning to young people, the Pope encouraged pastoral workers to listen attentively and without judgment. He stressed that creative and understanding ministry can provide youth with the guidance they need and help them feel at home within the community of faith.
Pope Leo spoke of what he called an “emergency of formation,” urging parishes to become “generative communities” that nurture faith and reach out to those who have drifted away. He insisted that the Church must not remain isolated from the challenges of society but integrate pressing issues into pastoral life. Among them, he listed social justice, peace, migration, care for creation, mental health, and addiction, stressing that while the Church may not be expert in all areas, it must remain attentive and open to collaboration with those who bring competence and insight.
Concluding his address, the Pope returned to the image of the Samaritan woman, inviting the Church in Rome to “leave behind the jars” and bring instead the water that gives life. He encouraged the diocesan community to deepen its commitment to synodality, communion, co-responsibility, and mission, walking together as one body of Christ.
Entrusting the diocese to the protection of the Virgin Mary, Salus Populi Romani, Pope Leo XIV prayed that she would guard and guide the journey of the Church in Rome as it seeks to embody a ministry that truly welcomes all.