Pope calls Spanish bishops to be in state of ‘permanent mission’
March 03, 2014
At a March 3 audience with the bishops of Spain, who were concluding their ad limina visits, Pope Francis took note of the “indifference of many of the baptized” and a “worldly” culture that relegates religion to private life.
In the midst of this situation, “we should not forget your history,” the Pope said. “From it we learn that divine grace is never extinguished.”
The Pope called on the bishops to commit themselves to “a valiant and truthful proclamation of the Gospel,” introducing Christ as “friend and brother” to all. Urging the bishops to put their dioceses in “a true state of permanent mission,” the Pope emphasized that the faith is “not a mere cultural inheritance,” but a gift “born of a personal encounter with Jesus.”
Pope Francis also discussed the importance of priests’ closeness to their people, particularly families, as well as continued service of the poor.
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Further information:
- The Pope to Spanish Bishops: Faith Is Not a Mere Cultural Inheritance (Holy See Press Office)
- Visita "Ad Limina Apostolorum" Dei Presuli Della Conferenza Episcopale Di Spagna (Holy See Press Office)
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