Pope Leo XIV meets with seminarians from Pontifical Regional Seminary of Puglia ‘Pius XI’ and Diocesan Seminary of Aversa

In brief

Pope Leo XIV met with seminarians from the Pontifical Regional Seminary of Puglia ‘Pius XI’ in Molfetta and the Diocesan Seminary of Aversa on September 3, 2026. The meeting coincided with anniversaries for both institutions.

The seminary in Molfetta is commemorating the centenary of its new premises, which were built at the request of Pope Pius XI. The seminary in Aversa is celebrating the tercentenary of the opening of its current premises.

The Pope told the students that their studies and discipline are only meaningful if grounded in their relationship with God. He stated that the heart of the seminary experience is learning to be with the Master.