Every Christmas, the Pope usually gives an a address to Vatican employees—a message in which he thanks each of them for the work they do.
Since it is the first Christmas of his papacy, this was also the first time Pope Leo delivered this address.
LEO XIV
For me this is the first time I meet all of you together, along with many of your family members, and this makes me very happy. Today we should not speak about work, but I would like to take advantage of this occasion to thank each of you for the work you carry out. I am learning to get to know the Vatican as a great mosaic of offices and services, and little by little, with God’s help, I believe I will also be able to meet you by visiting the various workplaces.
In his message, the Pope used the roles of different figures from the New Testament as examples. He alluded to the image of shepherds, fishermen, innkeepers—all of them carry out a task and hold distinct meanings.
With these Biblical comparisons in mind, Pope Leo emphasized to Vatican employees that they too carry out an essential mission in the workplace — glorifying God in every task done well.
LEO XIV
Each of us carries out our task and gives glory to God precisely by doing it well, with dedication. At times we are so absorbed in our occupations that we do not think about the Lord or the Church, but the very fact of working with commitment, trying to give our best, and also—for you lay people—with love for your family, for your children, gives glory to the Lord.
At the conclusion of his Christmas message, he asked those present to convey, on his behalf, a message of affection to their families. He also reminded them of his thoughts and prayers for the elderly and the sick.
BAM
