Pope Leo XIV: “The Church is in great need of vocations to the priesthood”

🇮🇹 Versione italiana

Vatican City – In a St Peter’s Square filled with thousands of faithful from all over the world, Pope Leo XIV appeared at the central loggia of the Vatican Basilica to chant the Regina Caeli, the Marian prayer of the Easter season, on the Lord’s Day, the Fourth Sunday of Easter, which is dedicated to vocations to the priestly ministry and consecrated life.

It was the first Regina Caeli of his pontificate, a moment of profound emotion that ideally crowned his recent urbi et orbiblessing on Thursday 8 May, when he presented himself to the world following his election as the 267th Successor of Saint Peter.

The Holy Father wished to share with the Christian people a heartfelt reflection on the Gospel of John (10:27–30), saying: “I consider it a gift from God that the first Sunday of my service as Bishop of Rome should be that of the Good Shepherd.” On this Fourth Sunday of Easter, traditionally known as Good Shepherd Sunday and specifically marked as the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, the Pope renewed his invitation to pray fervently for the gift of new vocations, especially to the priesthood and consecrated life. Leo XIV emphasised: “I have the joy of praying with you for vocations, especially to the priesthood and religious life—how greatly the Church needs them!”

This year’s theme, “Pilgrims of hope: the gift of life”, offered the opportunity to reaffirm that the vocational journey begins with listening to the Lord’s voice and is nourished by the love received and given. Quoting the words of Saint Gregory the Great, the Pontiff recalled that “the sheep respond to the love of the one who loves them,” thereby underlining the relational and affective nature of the Christian calling.

He then urged ecclesial communities to become concrete spaces of welcome, listening and accompaniment, where young people may find credible witnesses and models of generous dedication to God and neighbour. “Do not be afraid,” he said, addressing young people directly, “accept the invitation of the Church and of Christ the Lord.”

In conclusion, the Pope reiterated the heart of the message for this special day: that each person, according to their own vocation, may be a shepherd after God’s own heart, capable of walking together in love and truth.

Holy Mass at the Tomb of the Apostle Peter

This morning, the Holy Father Leo XIV presided over the Eucharistic Celebration at the Tomb of the Blessed Apostle Peter. Concelebrating with him were the Reverend Fathers Ray Flores O.S.A.; Alejandro Moral Antón O.S.A., Prior General of the Order of St Augustine; Joseph Farrell O.S.A., Vicar General; Javier Pérez Barba O.S.A., General Assistant for the Mediterranean region; Thony Pizzo O.S.A., Provincial of the Midwest Augustinians; and Edgard Iván Rimaycuna Inga, his personal secretary.

Several members of the Holy Father’s family were also present at the celebration. At the conclusion of the Mass, the Pope paused in prayer at the tombs of Benedict XVI, Pius XII, and other of his predecessors, as he had done yesterday in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where he prayed before the tomb of Pope Francis.

Following the Holy Mass, the Pontiff returned to his apartment in the former Holy Office Palace before leaving the building by car and ascending to the Loggia of Saint Peter’s, from where he joined the People of God in singing the Regina Caeli and imparted the Apostolic Blessing.

p.E.T.
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