Pope: Bishops must carry everyone in their heart, like Christ

By Devin Watkins

Pope Leo XIV met on Thursday with the Bishops taking part in a formation course, entitled “Bishops, servants of communion in the Church and in today’s world.”

In his address, the Pope told newly ordained Bishops that they enjoy a unique form of fraternity and that they never walk alone, as they share their hopes and dreams for the people entrusted to their care.

Promising his prayers for their ministry, he said every person must find a place in the Bishop’s heart, “because everyone already has a place in the heart of Christ.”

He urged them to “remain with Jesus” as their most important priority, speaking to and about Him and spending time in prayer.

“Always cherish your time with the Lord: the Eucharist, the Word of God, prayer, and those moments in which you can remain in His presence with the simple heart of a disciple who allows himself to be loved by his Lord,” he said.

Pope Leo invited the new Bishops to have “the heart of Jesus, the Good Shepherd,” turned completely to the Father and given entirely to their brothers and sisters.

“A Bishop is a man who learns each day to love his people more deeply: to know their joys and sorrows, to share their dreams and to rejoice as he sees communities grow,” he said.

As they ordain priests and deacons, meet enthusiastic young people, and walk with people amid difficulties, Bishops are called to love all people the Lord has entrusted to them by learning their names and their stories.

Especially in young Churches, he said, the Bishop’s presence speaks volumes, leaving deep impressions through simple gestures such as spending time with a priest or listening to a family.

“You know both the beauty and the demands of mission, and of a Church that may possess little but is rich in great faith,” he said. “I therefore invite you to preserve a missionary heart.”

Pope Leo XIV urged the new Bishops to carry our “pastoral sollicitude,” which means carrying people in their heart, especially their priests.

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Theirs is a “service of love,” which they express in preaching, prayer, discernment, and time spent with others.

As the world undergoes a period of rapid change and exploding possibilities with artificial intelligence, he said, Bishops must continue to proclaim the Gospel of salvation to everyone, since technology cannot free humanity from sin and its consequences.

He invited the Bishops to organize opportunities for reflection and dialogue on his encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, so all may contribute to building a civilization of love along the vision he has laid out.

In conclusion, Pope Leo XIV invited the new Bishops to keep their hearts open to everyone, even those who profess no faith.

“Let us walk with our people: let us pray with them, listen to the Word with them, and celebrate the Eucharist with them,” he said. “Let us seek the face of the Lord with them each day.”