Paris news

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.

The Jubilee Mass for the priests of Île-de-France is scheduled for June 5, 2025, at 4 PM at the historic Notre-Dame de Paris. This important event, organized by the bishops of the ecclesiastical province of Paris, marks the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, making it part of a larger jubilee year celebration.

The event will gather priests from eight dioceses across Île-de-France and will be broadcast live by KTO, ensuring numerous participants can join this significant occasion. In addition to the mass, various related events and broadcasts are planned leading up to Jubilee 2025 to engage the broader Catholic community and highlight the diocese's activities.

Notable antecedents include a prior gathering on May 29, 2025, where the diocese of Versailles celebrated the Jubilee with local faithful in Yvelines. This jubilee year commenced with a special rite led by Pope Francis on December 24, 2024, symbolically opening the Holy Door. These events aim to foster unity within the Church, especially among younger generations, and reinforce community bonds within the Catholic faith.