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Pope Leo XIV Urges Bishops to Remain Close to Jesus
Confirmed
In Short: Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of bishops staying close to Jesus and loving their people, addressing 147 new bishops from five continents during a formation course in Rome.
During an audience with 147 new bishops from five continents, Pope Leo XIV underscored the significance of bishops being close to Jesus and loving their people. He stated, 'To speak about him, we need to be with him; to lead his people, we must allow ourselves, every day, to be led by him.
The Pope highlighted that bishops are first and foremost disciples, emphasizing that their ministry springs from their closeness to Jesus. He also noted, 'No bishop walks alone,' and encouraged the bishops to remember this as they return to their churches.
Addressing the complex and troubling landscape of the present era, Pope Leo XIV reminded the bishops of the Jubilee of Hope, emphasizing that the Church is sent to proclaim the Gospel of salvation to everyone. He urged them to love the people entrusted to them and boldly bring the Good News of salvation to everyone.
The Pope also expressed his closeness and interest in clarifying the circumstances surrounding the assassination of Bishop Osório Citora Afonso of Mozambique, lamenting the 'grave act of violence' and praying for the people and dioceses of Mozambique in this hour of distress.
What's confirmed
- During an audience with 147 new bishops from five continents, Pope Leo XIV underscored the significance of bishops being close to Jesus and loving their people. He stated, 'To speak about him, we need to be with him; to lead his people, we must allow ourselves, every day, to be led by him.
- The Pope highlighted that bishops are first and foremost disciples, emphasizing that their ministry springs from their closeness to Jesus. He also noted, 'No bishop walks alone,' and encouraged the bishops to remember this as they return to their churches.
- Addressing the complex and troubling landscape of the present era, Pope Leo XIV reminded the bishops of the Jubilee of Hope, emphasizing that the Church is sent to proclaim the Gospel of salvation to everyone. He urged them to love the people entrusted to them and boldly bring the Good News of salvation to everyone.
- The Pope also expressed his closeness and interest in clarifying the circumstances surrounding the assassination of Bishop Osório Citora Afonso of Mozambique, lamenting the 'grave act of violence' and praying for the people and dioceses of Mozambique in this hour of distress.
What's still developing
- “Together you have listened, prayed, celebrated the Eucharist, and shared the hopes and dreams that you carry in your hearts for the Churches that the Lord has just entrusted to your pastoral care. All of this will help you remember something very simple and very precious: No bishop walks alone,” the pope said.
- Pope Leo XVI addresses a group of new bishops, participants in a formation course in Rome, during an audience on Sept. 10, 2026, in the Synod Hall of the Vatican. | Credit: Vatican Media “The bishop is a man who learns each day to love his people more deeply: to know the joys and sorrows of his people, to share in their dreams, and to rejoice at the growth of their communities,” he explained.
- “Within a complex and in some respects troubling landscape such as the present one, the Church celebrated last year the Jubilee of Hope. Was this because she lives apart from the world. On the contrary, it is because, through Christ crucified and risen, she is sent to proclaim the Gospel of salvation to everyone. And we bishops are the first recipients of this mandate,” he said.
- The Holy Father received 147 bishops from five continents, participants in a formation course in Rome for new bishops.
- VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Everyone needs to feel there is room for them in their bishop’s heart, Pope Leo XIV said.
- “We live in an era of rapid change,” the pope told them Sept. 10 in the Vatican Synod Hall.
- “Our ministry springs from there. And when the heart remains close to Him, our service also becomes more serene, more free and more fruitful,” Pope Leo said.
- Jesus said the Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep, the pope said.