Avoid careerism, Pope counsels Italian bishops
May 24, 2013
The litmus test of pastoral ministry is the willingness give one’s life entirely to God, Pope Francis told the Italian bishops, gathered in Rome for their 65th assembly on May 24.
The Pope led the Italian bishops’ conference in a profession of faith. In his remarks to the group, he warned against the temptations toward distraction, laziness, and careerism, which can transform a pastor into a “functionary, a cleric more worried about self, about organization and structures than the true good of the People of God.”
Being shepherds, the Pope said, “means being ready to walk amidst the flock: capable of hearing the silent story of those who suffer and of sustaining the steps of those who are afraid of not making it; careful to lift up, to reassure, and to inspire hope.”
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
