Pope calls Diocese of Rome to pastoral evaluation: ‘Do less and do it better’

By Vatican News

Pope Leo XIV has encouraged the Diocese of Rome to begin its new pastoral year by taking time to listen, discern and evaluate its activities, rather than simply adding new initiatives.

Addressing the Diocesan Assembly at the Basilica of St John Lateran on Friday, the Pope said he was not presenting a new pastoral programme but proposing a shared method of “pastoral evaluation”.

The process, he explained, means stopping to reread what has happened, recognising what has borne fruit, understanding what has not worked and seeking together the reasons why. It should involve the whole ecclesial community and, where possible, also listen to those who do not regularly participate in Church life.

‘Why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?’

Pope Leo began his reflection with the Gospel account of Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb on Easter morning. He proposed Jesus’ questions to her — “Why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” — as questions for the Church and the city of Rome.

He noted the vitality already present in the Diocese, including parishes, associations, movements and other ecclesial realities engaged in evangelisation, charity and prayer. At the same time, he acknowledged the risk that an abundance of activities can cause communities to lose sight of their evangelical centre.

The Pope said pastoral action should therefore begin not simply by asking what to do, but whom and how to encounter.

When Mary hears Jesus call her by name, he said, she recognises him. Likewise, people in Church communities should not remain anonymous or invisible but should be seen, known and called by name. An authentic encounter with Christ then becomes a source of missionary joy.

Pope Leo XIV opens the Diocese of Rome’s pastoral year at the Basilica of St John Lateran   (@Vatican Media)

Three priorities for pastoral evaluation

The Pope identified three principal areas for the Diocese’s examination of its pastoral life.

The first is “meeting Christ and helping others to meet him.” Activities should be assessed not only by their organisation or participation, but by whether they genuinely lead people to Christ and connect the Gospel with their lives.

The second is “generating community.” Christian communities should offer relationships in which people feel welcomed, accompanied, valued and responsible. Pope Leo made particular mention of the need to offer young people time and attentive listening.

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The third is “inhabiting and serving the city.” Rome, he said, is not simply the backdrop for the Church’s activities but the place of its mission. The Church is called to share the city’s expectations, fragilities and questions and to recognise where the Gospel can offer an answer.

A fourth concern cuts across all three: the formation of the People of God. Thus, explaining that pastoral activities must help people grow in faith, become missionary disciples, assume ecclesial responsibilities and develop a mature faith capable of being translated into concrete choices of life and service, the Pope reminded those present that pastoral activities may always foster mature faith, missionary discipleship and responsibility within the Church.

Pope Leo XIV opens the Diocese of Rome’s pastoral year at the Basilica of St John Lateran   (@Vatican Media)

‘Do less and do it better’

Pope Leo noted that the proposed process should not become another burden for priests and pastoral workers. “The art of pastoral evaluation,” he said, “does not ask you to do more”; rather, it gives the Church permission to “do less and do it better.”

He called priests to listen before responding and discern before deciding, while recognising the charisms and responsibilities of lay people. “Presiding does not mean doing everything,” he said, but generating communion and enabling the gifts of others.

He also encouraged the Prefectures of Rome to become places of genuine priestly fraternity where ministers can share their difficulties without shame.

Don Luigi Di Liegro on the path to sainthood

The Pope concluded by recalling the example of Don Luigi Di Liegro, the beloved Roman priest who founded the city’s Diocesan Caritas and who worked tirelessly for the poor and marginalised.

Announcing that he has “gladly approved the decision to take the necessary steps to initiate the diocesan inquiry into the life, virtues, and reputation for holiness of Don Luigi Di Liegro,” Pope Leo linked the priest’s emphasis on seeing and listening to the central question of discernment: “Lord, where are you?” And he expressed hope that the process will lead to renewed pastoral experiences and a common path towards the Jubilee of the Redemption in 2033.

Finally, Pope Leo XIV entrusted the Diocese of Rome and the city to Mary, Salus Populi Romani, asking that she accompany its pastoral journey.

Pope Leo XIV opens the Diocese of Rome’s pastoral year at the Basilica of St John Lateran   (@Vatican Media)