In an audience with members of the diplomatic service at the papal missions, Pope Leo XIV emphasized that they have been chosen to “become a presence everywhere of the whole Church and, in particular, of the pastoral solicitude of the pope, who presides over it in charity.”
Within the context of the Jubilee of Hope, the Holy Father recalled that the holy year is “a providential opportunity to rediscover and deepen the beauty of our vocation, that is, our common call to holiness, which commits us each day to be witnesses of Christ, the living hope for the world.”
Reflecting on the missionaries’ service of “carrying the redeeming word of the Gospel to the ends of the earth,” the pope pointed out that the great missionaries remind us that inculturation is not a superficial matter, “because it springs from the desire to dedicate oneself to the land and the people we serve.”
“Your unique service is arduous and therefore requires a heart burning for God and open to all people; it demands study and skill, self-denial and courage; it grows in trust in Jesus and in docility to the Church, which is expressed through obedience to superiors,” he said.
Given the diversity of cultures and places where the papal representatives work, the pope invited them to bear witness “as priests in love with Christ and dedicated to building up his body.” He also encouraged them to be “a reflection of the affection and closeness that the pope has” for every ecclesial community.
In particular, he focused his attention on those living in contexts of hardship, conflict, and poverty, where moments of discouragement are common: “Precisely in these efforts, remember that the Church sustains you in prayer: Therefore, strengthen your priestly identity by drawing strength from the sacraments, from fraternal communion, and from constant docility to the Holy Spirit,” he counseled them.
He encouraged them to be mindful of their daily actions and to avoid isolation.
“The great missionaries remind us, in fact, that inculturation is not a folkloric [superficial] attitude, because it is born from the desire to dedicate oneself to the land and the people we serve,” he explained.
He also urged them to “confirm” their motivation by listening to the Holy Spirit and to nurture prayer: “May the light of the tabernacle dispel shadows and anxieties, illuminating the path you are traveling.”
“Holding fast to this miracle of grace, be pilgrims of hope precisely where people lack justice and peace,” he added.
This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.
