(ZENIT News / Rome, 06.11.2024).- On the afternoon of Tuesday, June 11, Pope Francis visited the Pontifical Salesian University for a significant meeting with 200 priests from the Diocese of Rome, marking a poignant exchange with clergy who have been ordained between 11 and 39 years. The turnout, though less than the invited 500, reflected the summer commitments many priests had with youth activities in their parishes.
The gathering began with a brief greeting from Monsignor Di Tolve followed by a moment of prayer, setting a reflective tone for the ensuing dialogue between the Pope and the priests. The discussion touched on various pastoral challenges, the identity and role of priests, and the intrinsic beauty of their vocation.
One of the key figures Pope Francis referenced was Don Milani, whom he described as “a great light for Italian priests.” The Pope cautioned against the dangers of falling into worldliness and emphasized the necessity for parishes to be inclusive, welcoming “everyone, everyone, everyone.”
A significant portion of the conversation revolved around the suffering of individuals, especially the elderly. Pope Francis highlighted the need for priests to embody closeness, compassion, and tenderness—qualities he attributes to God. He stressed the importance of pastoral care in hospitals and addressing the pressing social issues in Rome, such as the housing crisis. The Pope called on religious congregations with available resources to be generous and discussed the growing issues of drug abuse, loneliness, and the unseen pain many endure. “In a priest’s life, the invisible is more important than the visible because it is more profound and more painful,” he remarked, urging priests to reach out to those hidden in society.
The dialogue also ventured into broader global issues. Pope Francis expressed his sorrow over ongoing conflicts in the Holy Land, Ukraine, Myanmar, and the Congo, criticizing the substantial investments in weapons, contraceptives, veterinary expenses, and cosmetic surgery. He called for a renewed focus on the Church’s social teachings, a greater commitment to the common good, peace, and active political engagement, which he deemed “the highest form of charity” amidst widespread disinterest and abstention.
In his address, the Pope took a moment to honor Cardinal De Donatis, praising his “ability to understand and forgive,” qualities vital in his new role as an expression of the Father’s merciful face.
Towards the end of the meeting, Pope Francis cautioned against the rise of ideologies within the Church and revisited the topic of admitting individuals with homosexual tendencies into seminaries. He reiterated the need for acceptance and accompaniment within the Church, following the prudent guidelines of the Dicastery for the Clergy.
Pope Francis concluded by expressing gratitude to the priests for their dedicated service, encouraging them to maintain their commitment to communal discernment and attentive listening to those they serve. The gathering at the Pontifical Salesian University was not only a moment of reflection but also a call to action, urging the clergy to deepen their pastoral care and social engagement.
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