As bishop of Rome, Pope Francis has often spoken about how bishops can be better pastors to the communities they serve.
While ordaining new bishops, the Pope stressed that the primary responsibility of a bishop is prayer.
POPE FRANCIS
Oct. 17, 2021
“The first duty of a bishop is to pray—not like a parrot—to pray with the heart, pray. “I don't have time.” No. Remove the other things, but praying is a bishop's first duty.”
In an address to the presidents of the European Bishops' Conference, Pope Francis explained that the aim of bishops should be to live out the Gospel, and not to advance in the Church's hierarchy.
POPE FRANCIS
Sep. 23, 2021
'This can be our own problem: concentrating on various positions in the Church, on discussions, agendas and strategies, and losing sight of the real program, that of the Gospel: the impulse of charity, the fervor of gratuity.'
The Pope urged bishops from South Korea to avoid falling into a comfortable Catholicism, but rather to embrace the zeal of the martyrs who came before them.
POPE FRANCIS
Mar. 12, 2015
'The devil is clever and will propose religious comfort, “We are good Catholics, but only up to here.” And he will take away your strength. Do not forget, please: you are children of martyrs and apostolic zeal cannot be negotiated.'
Above all he reminds bishops to remember that their position is not one of privilege, but of service.
POPE FRANCIS
Nov. 12, 2014
'One doesn't become a bishop, priest or deacon because they're more intelligent, greater or better than others, but rather it's a gift. A gift of love given by God through the power of the Holy Spirit, for the good of the people.'
Almost thirty years after first being ordained a bishop, Pope Francis has ample experience of what it means to be a pastor to the people.
JM
