Priesthood means sacrifice, total commitment, Pope tells Rome's pastors

February 18, 2010

Pope Benedict XVI met with the pastors of the Rome diocese on February 18, and told them that in order to be effective ministers they must "enter like Christ into human misery and take it up, going to the people who are suffering." The Holy Father emphasized that the priesthood is not a profession, with duties that can be discharged in a limited time; it is a total commitment.

The Holy Father held the traditional meeting with the pastors of Rome at the start of Lent, offering his reflections on the Letter to the Hebrews, relating his thoughts to the theme of the Year for Priests.

 

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Further information:

• Priesthood is a life marked by compassion, pope tells Rome clergy (CNS)
• Pope Meets with the Pastors of the Diocese of Rome (VIS)