NESCOM, Guwahati, February 20, 2026: (based on Vatican report) Pope Leo XIV urged the priests of the Diocese of Rome to rekindle the gift of faith received at ordination and to return with renewed urgency to proclaiming the Gospel in a rapidly changing cultural context.
Meeting the clergy at the Vatican, the Holy Father encouraged them not to see themselves as “passive executors of an already defined pastoral plan,” but as active collaborators in God’s saving work. He reminded them that the priesthood is a participation in God’s mission and requires creativity, commitment, and spiritual renewal.
Rekindle the Gift of God
The Pope acknowledged the challenges many priests face today, including fatigue, routine, and discouragement amid growing indifference toward faith and religious practice. Rapid cultural changes and shifting social realities, he noted, can weigh heavily on pastoral ministry.
“Church of Rome, remember to rekindle the gift of God,” he said, emphasizing the need to nourish the spiritual fire first entrusted to them. Faith, he stressed, must sustain priests in their daily mission.
He also underscored the importance of communion and shared responsibility. Ministry, he said, cannot be lived in isolation. In light of profound changes in parish life and society, priests are called to work together in unity and fraternity.
The Urgency of Evangelisation
“It is urgent to return to proclaiming the Gospel. This is the priority,” the Pope affirmed. He encouraged priests to seek new paths that help people rediscover the promise of Jesus Christ.
Particular attention, he said, must be given to children, young people, and families. Recognizing the complex realities facing youth today, the Pope invited clergy to understand their struggles, confusion, and existential concerns.
Parishes, he added, should foster dialogue with schools, educational specialists, and local institutions to support the holistic development of young people. While there are no easy or immediate solutions, priests are called to remain present, welcoming, and attentive.
Support for Young Priests
Addressing younger clergy, Pope Leo acknowledged that they often experience both the opportunities and burdens of contemporary ministry. He encouraged them not to isolate themselves, especially during moments of weariness or crisis.
“Do not be afraid to engage in dialogue,” he said, urging openness and mutual support among brother priests.
Concluding his address, the Holy Father called on the clergy to live priestly fraternity concretely, accompanying and supporting one another in faithfulness to their vocation and mission.