Pope Leo XIV’s recent letter “A Fidelity That Generates the Future” offers a reflection on the challenges of the priesthood today.
Concerned about the loneliness of priests, the Pope suggests that they come together in communities to live a deeper fraternity which would better allow them to support each another.
On the other hand, in the face of the boom of “Instagram priests,” he calls for prudence and wisdom. He likewise warns against the temptation of “quietism”—that is, the fear that stifles one's courage to share the faith boldly and to evangelize.
During the first Mass after his election, Pope Leo emphasized the role of humility within the religious vocation.
POPE LEO XIV
To disappear so that Christ may remain, to make oneself small so that He may be known and glorified.
At the same time, he invites priests to open themselves to more fraternal models of the priestly life, to listen attentively, and to be exemplars of celibacy.
The Pope also addresses the problem of the shortage of priestly vocations and calls for a “missionary conversion” that will help young men consider this supernatural calling.
The Pope published this document on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of two conciliar decrees on the priesthood: Optatam Totius and Presbyterorum Ordinis.
JRB
