Evangelization will bring reconciliation to Burundi, Pope promises bishops

May 05, 2014

“Only an authentic conversion of hearts to the Gospel can turn men to fraternal love and forgiveness” in Burundi, a country scarred by bloody internal conflicts, Pope Francis told the bishops of that African country in an audience on May 5.

The bishop told the bishop of Burundi, who were making their ad limina visits, that evangelization should be their highest priority; he assured them that evangelization would in turn promote the reconciliation that the country needs.

The Pope encouraged the bishops to be attentive to the “intellectual, spiritual, human, and pastoral” formation of candidates for the priesthood. These, he said, are the “four pillars” of preparation for priestly ministry. He also asked the bishops to work with public officials “so that they can understand the Church’s social doctrine.”

 

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Further information:

• The Four Pillars of Future Priests: Intellectual, Spiritual, Human and Pastoral Formation (VIS)
• Pope to Burundi's bishops: continue formation, engage public sphere (Vatican Radio)