Vatican City – On the occasion of the General Chapter of the Provincial Priors of the Order of Preachers, taking place in Krakow from July 17 to August 8, 2025, Pope Leo XIV sent a message to the participants, expressing his spiritual closeness and his esteem for the mission entrusted to the sons of Saint Dominic. The message, dated July 17, was personally signed by the Pontiff during his stay at Castel Gandolfo.
The Pope expressed his joy at learning of the celebration of the Chapter in Poland, noting that it falls within a Jubilee Year—“a time rich in grace” that can become an opportunity for authentic renewal, rooted in the hope that “does not disappoint” and in the awareness of the call received: to proclaim the Good News amidst the challenges of our time
A Timely Theme for an Eternal Charism
Pope Leo XIV offered particular appreciation for the theme chosen by the Dominicans: to deepen the various forms of preaching addressed to four distinct “audiences” – those who do not yet know Jesus, the Christian faithful, those who have drifted away from the Church, and young people found in these situations. The Pope emphasized that this choice is “particularly timely” in an age marked by profound spiritual and cultural confusion.
He encouraged the participants to let themselves be guided by the Holy Spirit, who continues to lead the Church “into all the truth” (cf. Jn 16:13), hoping that the Chapter’s deliberations may be inspired by a sincere and docile listening to the voice of God in the present moment of history.
Fraternity, Contemplation, Mission
The message also conveys the Pope’s hope that this time together may strengthen “the commitment to serve the Body of Christ through the evangelical way of life chosen by Saint Dominic.” A life grounded in the shared experience of fraternity and prayer—essential elements for renewing the bond of communion among members of the Order and for fully living their vocation as “contemplative preachers.”
Finally, the Pope entrusts the work of the Chapter to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary and imparts his Apostolic Blessing to all members of the Order of Preachers as a sign of “wisdom, joy, and peace in the Lord.” A brief but rich message, which calls the Dominicans to never forget their deepest identity: to be the living voice of the Gospel at the heart of the Church, with courage, intelligence, and fidelity to their noble tradition.
p.T.S.
Silere non possum
