While Pope Francis often raises warnings against “clericalism” and “spiritual worldliness” in the priesthood, he expressed his deep gratitude and affection for priests and deacons around the world for what he called their generous and faith-filled dedication to their communities.
“I would like first to convey my gratitude, my affection and my closeness to the priests and deacons of the whole world,” he told members and consultants of the Dicastery for Clergy, which was holding its plenary assembly at the Vatican.
“Many times, I have warned against the dangers of clericalism and spiritual worldliness, but I am well aware that the vast majority of priests work with great generosity and spirit of faith for the good of the holy people of God, bearing the weight of many hardships and facing pastoral and spiritual challenges that are sometimes not easy,” he said during an audience at the Vatican on 6th June.
The pope emphasized the importance of giving priests support and ensuring they do not feel alone. “Weaving a strong network of fraternal relations is a priority task in ongoing formation,” he said. “It is indispensable for priests to feel ‘at home,'” the pope said.
Picture: Pope Francis shakes hands with Cardinal Lazarus You Heung-sik, prefect of the Dicastery for Clergy, during a meeting with members and consultants of the Dicastery for Clergy attending a plenary assembly at the Vatican, 6th June 2024. Also pictured is Cardinal Odilo Scherer of São Paulo, Brazil, who is a member of the dicastery. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)