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If the Lord does not watch over the city, in vain does the watchman keep vigil.Ps 127:1

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Pope Leo XIV calls on Latin American bishops to lead from ground, not ‘behind a desk’

Catholic Intelligence1 min read

Pope Leo XIV urged bishops in Latin America and the Caribbean to engage directly with their communities rather than managing dioceses from offices. In a letter dated Sept. 8, the pope told the bishops that certain aspects of diocesan life are difficult to understand without personal presence. He encouraged them to maintain active pastoral visits, listen to their people, and seek out those who rarely interact with their bishop.

The Vatican released the letter on Sept. 19 to mark the 300th anniversary of the canonization of St. Turibius of Mogrovejo, a 16th-century Spanish missionary bishop who evangelized Peru. Pope Leo XIV cited the saint as an example of pastoral charity and noted that his own ministry in Peru helped him understand the practical meaning of being a shepherd. He told the bishops that their ministry requires keeping their hearts in heaven while their feet remain on the road.

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