Priests, pastoral leaders have permission to do less, do it better, Pope says

Pope Leo XIV told clergy and lay leaders in the Diocese of Rome that they have permission to do less in order to do their work better. Speaking at a diocesan assembly on Sept. 18 at the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the Pope encouraged priests and pastoral leaders to engage in discernment and pastoral evaluation to face the reality of their local Church's activities.

The assembly included hundreds of leaders representing 334 parishes and their various ministries. During the meeting, which opened the new pastoral year for the diocese, the Pope listened to accounts from a young woman, a couple, and a member of the Caritas team regarding the joys and challenges in their lives and work.

Pope Leo noted that the diocese has been working to discern spiritual illnesses to identify what needs to be healed, corrected, or transformed within their ecclesial life. He thanked the attendees for their service and dedication, stating that the Lord recognizes the quiet good they perform.