Madrid: Pope Leo XIV has called on the bishops of Spain to become strong witnesses of unity and communion at a time when societies around the world are increasingly marked by division and polarization. Speaking during a meeting with the bishops at the headquarters of the Spanish Episcopal Conference in Madrid on Monday, the Pope stressed that the Church must offer a powerful example of unity while embracing diversity.
Addressing the bishops, Pope Leo reminded them that the true strength of the Church does not come from wealth, influence, or resources, but from the holiness of its members and the faithful commitment of those who follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
“The strength of the Church does not come from the greatness of her resources, but from the holiness of her children, from the communion of her pastors, and from the humble and persevering fidelity of those who allow themselves to be guided by the Spirit,” the Pope said.
Encouraging the bishops in their ministry, Pope Leo acknowledged the many challenges facing the Church and society today. He urged them to safeguard unity, encourage dialogue, heal divisions, and accompany the people entrusted to their pastoral care.
The Pope reminded the bishops that it is Christ who leads the Church and guides its journey through history. He noted that Christians walk together with the Lord as members of one body and that this shared mission requires the Church to be a visible witness of unity amid growing social and political tensions.
Pope Leo emphasized that the Church in Spain should foster a spirit of communion that welcomes different gifts, charisms, and perspectives while remaining united in faith. He said bishops have a special responsibility to preserve this unity and strengthen the bonds that connect believers with Christ and with one another.
The Holy Father also highlighted the importance of maintaining communion with the Successor of Peter, the universal Church, priests, religious communities, lay movements, and all those who contribute to the life of the Church. Such unity, he said, helps strengthen missionary outreach and enables the Church to serve society more effectively.
According to the Pope, a Church that is at peace within itself can engage more openly with people of other Christian traditions, followers of other religions, nonbelievers, public authorities, and all those working for the common good. He also encouraged the bishops to remain close to young people, seminarians, and those who are vulnerable or suffering.
Entrusting the bishops and their ministry to the care of the Blessed Virgin Mary, whom he described as the “mother of communion and hope,” Pope Leo recalled that Spain has long been known as “Mary’s Land,” a title highlighted by Pope Saint John Paul II. He said Mary remains a model of faith and a companion for the Church on its journey.
The Pope also reflected on the fifth centenary of the priestly ordination of Saint John of Avila, patron saint of the Spanish clergy. He praised the saint as a model priest and spiritual guide whose example continues to inspire the Church today.
Pope Leo stressed that bishops must care for and support their priests, helping them remain rooted in prayer, faithful to the Church, and close to the people they serve. He said priests should see their bishop not only as an authority figure but also as a father who accompanies them in their vocation. Likewise, priests should support one another as brothers sharing both the joys and challenges of ministry.
Concluding his address, Pope Leo offered a prayer asking Christ to give the Church His heart, a heart capable of listening, discerning, serving, correcting with charity, and proclaiming the Gospel with joy. He expressed confidence that a Church shaped by the heart of Christ will receive the strength and guidance needed to face every challenge in the modern world.
His message to the Spanish bishops was a clear appeal for greater unity, deeper communion, and renewed pastoral commitment in a world increasingly marked by division and uncertainty.