Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has called on leaders of Catholic lay associations, ecclesial movements, and new communities to guide their members with openness, transparency, and a spirit of communion, reminding them that leadership in the Church is a service rooted in faith and responsibility.
Pope made the remarks on Thursday while addressing participants at a meeting of moderators of associations of the faithful, ecclesial movements, and new communities. The gathering was organised by the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life at the Vatican.
In his speech, Pope Leo XIV reflected on the importance of governance within Church communities and organisations. He said leadership plays a vital role in helping communities grow and remain faithful to their mission.
Pope explained that governance is not simply about organising activities or managing practical affairs. Instead, he said, it should help communities become places where people can grow spiritually and personally.
He stressed that leadership in the Church should never serve personal interests. Rather, it must always benefit the wider community and be freely accepted by members. According to the Pope, leaders in lay associations receive their role as a gift and responsibility entrusted to them by their communities.
Pope Leo also underlined that leadership within the Church must always remain connected to the discernment and guidance of bishops. He said authentic Church leadership requires mutual listening, shared responsibility, transparency, closeness among members, and community discernment.
Pope encouraged leaders not to concentrate all authority in themselves but instead to promote participation and shared responsibility within their communities.
“Good governance promotes the responsible participation of all members of the community,” the Pope said.
Reflecting on the mission of ecclesial movements and lay associations, Pope Leo said they are called to respond to the needs of today’s world and remain attentive to new pastoral challenges. He warned against becoming closed in on themselves or limiting their activities only to internal programmes.
He said true belonging within Church movements becomes fruitful when members reach out to society, engage with culture, and explore new fields of mission and evangelisation.
Speaking spontaneously during the meeting, Pope also warned against attitudes of superiority among Church groups. He said some movements may wrongly think that their charism alone is the authentic one. However, he reminded participants that every movement must live in communion with the universal Church and maintain unity with local bishops, even in moments of disagreement.
Pope urged Church leaders to listen carefully to different opinions, cultures, and personal experiences while always protecting the greater good of unity within the Church.
He also encouraged leaders to give witness through humility, simplicity, detachment from power, and selfless love. According to Pope Leo, every authentic charism in the Church naturally includes fidelity and openness to the wider Church community.
Pope concluded by praising the history and contribution of lay associations and ecclesial movements, noting that they have helped form many committed Christians and dedicated evangelisers over the years.
He encouraged them to continue nurturing their gifts and missions with the support and guidance of the Church.
“The Church supports and accompanies you,” Pope Leo told the participants as he ended his address.