Pope Léon XIV Urges Île-de-France Priests to Embrace Love and Fraternity
Pope Léon XIV addresses priests in Île-de-France, emphasizing love and renewal of vocation during Jubilee mass.
Key Points
- • Pope Léon XIV's address marked the 60th anniversary of *Presbyterorum ordinis*.
- • He urged priests to strengthen their ministry through love for Jesus and their communities.
- • The message focused on cultivating fraternity among priests and unity within the Church.
- • The day featured discussions and culminated in a collective mass at Notre-Dame.
On June 5, 2025, Pope Léon XIV delivered an inspiring address to the priests of Île-de-France during their Jubilee celebration at Notre-Dame de Paris, marking the 60th anniversary of the *Presbyterorum ordinis* decree. This significant event, attended by numerous clergy, centred on the themes of love, fraternity, and the renewal of priestly vocation.
In his message, read by Bishop Dominique Blanchet of Créteil, the Pope emphasized the necessity for priests to deepen their love for Jesus and generously extend that love to their communities. "A generous love should be at the core of your mission," he stated, urging priests to embody compassion, humility, and simplicity.
Moreover, Léon XIV highlighted the importance of fraternity among priests and their relationship with bishops, asserting that such bonds are essential for the Church's credibility, particularly in reaching those distanced from faith. He called on the Holy Spirit to renew their commitment to their vocation and invoked the protection of the Virgin Mary and the intercession of the saints of Paris over them.
The day also involved spiritual gatherings across various dioceses, culminating in a joint mass where the Pope bestowed his apostolic blessing, reinforcing the event's focus on unity and shared purpose within the Church community.