Pope Leo XIV addresses the clergy and faithful of the Diocese of Rome during an assembly at the Basilica of St John Lateran, inviting the Church of Rome to walk alongside the people of God with “a pastoral ministry that is supportive, empathetic, discreet, non-judgmental, and able to welcome everyone.”
By Linda Bordoni
Pope Leo XIV on Friday afternoon crossed the River Tiber to address the Diocesan Assembly of Rome gathered in the Basilica of St John Lateran. In his discourse, he upheld the ongoing synodal process initiated by Pope Francis, and invited clergy, religious, and lay faithful present “to go forward in synodality, communion, co-responsibility, and mission.”
Speaking as Bishop of Rome, the Pope expressed his joy at meeting the diocesan community and thanked priests, deacons, consecrated men and women, and parish representatives for their dedication and witness.
“The Pope is such insofar as he is Bishop of Rome, and I am Bishop for you,” he said, describing the gathering as “a great embrace of the Bishop with his people.”
Pope Leo XIV arrives at the Basilica of St John Lateran (@Vatican Media)
Reflecting on the Gospel of the Samaritan woman at the well, he recalled Jesus’ words: “If you knew the gift of God” (Jn 4:10), pointing to the Holy Spirit as the “living water” that quenches humanity’s thirst and sustains the Church in her mission.
A supportive and welcoming Church
Pope Leo stressed the urgent need to renew pastoral approaches, particularly toward families and young people. “We must not be content with repeating the same things as always,” he warned, “but offer a new apprenticeship in the faith, one that introduces people to Christian life, accompanies the stages of life, and weaves meaningful human relationships.”
“It is urgent,” he reiterated, “to establish a pastoral ministry that is supportive, empathetic, discreet, non-judgmental, and able to welcome everyone.”
Pope Leo and Cardinal Baldassare Reina, Vicar General of the Diocese of Rome (@Vatican Media)
Walking with families and young people
The Pope noted that families often weighed down by difficulties may feel tempted to withdraw from their role of transmitting the faith. “The task of the Church,” he said, “is not to replace them but to walk with them, becoming companions on the journey and offering tools for the search for God.”
Turning to young people, he encouraged the Church to engage them with creativity and understanding: “A ministry capable of listening without judgment can provide young people with the guidance they seek and offer them a home in the community of faith.”
Formation and mission
Pope Leo also spoke of what he called an “emergency of formation,” urging parishes and communities to become “generative” – places that nurture faith and reach out to those who have drifted away.
He underlined the importance of integrating issues that affect society and younger generations into parish life, including social justice, peace, migration, the care of creation, mental health, and the challenges of addiction.
“We cannot be specialists in everything,” he said, “but we must reflect on these realities, listening to the many competencies our city can offer.”
Participants in the Diocesan Assembly (@Vatican Media)
Growing in synodality and communion
Concluding his address, the Pope called the Church in Rome to walk together in a spirit of synodality and mission. Drawing from the Gospel passage of the Samaritan woman, he said: “We too must run towards our brothers and sisters, leaving behind our jars, and bringing instead the water that quenches thirst forever.”
He expressed confidence that the Church in Rome will continue to grow “in synodality, communion, co-responsibility, and mission,” and prayed: “May the Virgin of trust and hope, Salus Populi Romani, accompany and guard our journey.”
Pope Leo XIV in the Basilica of St John Lateran during the Diocesan Assembly (@Vatican Media)
