Paris: Pope Leo XIV has called the clergy and religious of France to renew their commitment to missionary conversion, prayer and the liturgy, urging them to place communion with the Pope and the wider Church above personal preferences in order to strengthen unity among Catholics.
The Pope made the appeal during Vespers at the Cathedral Basilica of Notre Dame de Paris, where he met bishops, priests, deacons, seminarians and consecrated men and women. His message drew on the vision of missionary conversion presented by Pope Francis in his encyclical Evangelii gaudium.
Speaking seven years after a devastating fire severely damaged Notre Dame, Pope Leo said the rebuilt cathedral offers an opportunity to reach out to people, particularly those who may appear distant from the Church but are already close to Christ in ways that may not always be visible.
He said the renewed beauty of Notre Dame can speak to people seeking peace and can encourage new cultural, spiritual and human journeys. The rebuilding of the cathedral, he added, should inspire a welcoming missionary presence not only in Paris but also in cities and regions across France.
Pope Leo said such a presence can help bring people together despite cultural differences and contribute to healing societies affected by division and suffering.
The Pope also placed strong emphasis on the central role of the liturgy in the life of the Church. He said Notre Dame, like every church, is first of all a place for prayer and the worship of God, especially through the celebration of the Eucharist.
Without the liturgy, he said, a church would lose its soul. He described the Church as a living community that gathers in worship and carries forward the faith, culture and traditions handed down through generations.
According to Pope Leo, the liturgy is also a source of hope and peace. The celebration of the liturgical year allows believers to accompany Christ through the events of His life while also helping them recognise the signs and challenges of their own time.
He urged those responsible for the liturgy to ensure that celebrations are conducted with dignity and reverence, including when they take place in smaller communities. He also encouraged clergy and religious to learn from the Church Fathers and saints who passed on the meaning and beauty of the liturgy with humility.
Pope Leo highlighted the liturgical reform of the Second Vatican Council and called on clergy and religious to develop an authentic love for the liturgy. He said they should serve as witnesses to the prophetic, priestly and royal vocation of the entire People of God.
He also urged them to put communion with the Successor of Peter and with the Church ahead of personal preferences, saying this would help strengthen the unity of God's people.
At the conclusion of his homily, Pope Leo thanked those present for their response to God's call and their fidelity to the Lord. He encouraged them to remain close to God through prayer and to embrace their daily mission with renewed commitment.
Reflecting again on the restored Notre Dame, the Pope said its rebirth should encourage a renewed pursuit of holiness and missionary service among the people of France.
He called on clergy and religious to be a clear expression of the Church's divine motherhood by witnessing to God's love and helping restore and heal the human family.
Pope Leo ended his message with a prayer asking Mary to keep them faithful and to guide the mission of the Church in France.