Pope Leo XIV receives 147 new Bishops

In brief

Pope Leo XIV met with 147 new bishops from five continents on September 10 during the conclusion of formation courses in Vatican City. The courses were organized by the Dicasteries for Bishops, for the Eastern Churches, and for Evangelization.

The Pope told the participants that their most important priority is to remain with Jesus to maintain a missionary heart. He described the identity of a bishop as having a heart turned toward the Father and given to others. He emphasized that bishops must first be disciples before fulfilling their other duties.

The gathering ended with a Mass and the veneration of the relics of Saint Peter in the Vatican Basilica. Before his address, the Pope led the group in a prayer for the father of Cardinal Tagle, the Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization.