‘Combine doctrinal fidelity with pastoral closeness,’ Pope tells Peru’s bishops

November 13, 2026

Pope Leo XIV told Peru’s bishops that the episcopal mission “requires us to combine doctrinal fidelity with pastoral closeness; the celebration of the sacraments with a commitment to our neighbor; and the formation of consciences with a concrete witness of charity.”

The Pontiff made his remarks in the chapel of the Archbishop’s Palace in Lima on November 12, the seventh day of his apostolic journey to three South American nations (program). The Pope’s meeting with the bishops (video 1, video 2) took place after he had celebrated Mass privately at the apostolic nunciature.

In his address, Pope Leo evoked the image of the Great Inca Road as he called upon bishops to open their hearts:

But what does “opening one’s heart” mean for a bishop? It means knowing the path to God so that he may walk alongside the faithful, as well as allowing God and the faithful to challenge his priorities. It is an eminently missionary journey, much like the Inca Trail, which was not built so that travelers might linger to admire its magnificent landscapes, but to reach the whole of Tawantinsuyu. Like the chasquis, who traveled the length and breadth of the empire carrying urgent messages and vital provisions, the bishop is the messenger who bears the Good News of the Gospel, safeguards the treasure of the word of God and administers the sacraments as those indispensable gifts which are necessary to sustain the Christian life.

The Pontiff also said that for a bishop, opening one’s heart means

• “recognizing the path that God is already traveling with his people, the journey that still lies ahead and the direction in which we must go to continue building a future of hope for all”
• “getting to know his Diocese by entering people’s homes, accompanying the sick, meeting young people and reaching out to communities which, due to their geographical remoteness or social vulnerability, are rarely able to make their voices heard”
• understanding that “pastoral charity does not consist in avoiding problems but in remaining faithful to Christ and seeking the greatest possible good for people”
• being “a traveling companion to his priests”
• opening “our hearts to our brother bishops so as to cultivate trust, share our difficulties and strengthen episcopal fraternity”

The Pope continued:

Finally, dear brothers, the bishop must open his heart to the Peru of today. An ancient path retains its value when it continues to enable people to reach their destination. We must ask ourselves which paths truly lead to Christ, and we should denounce false paths.

Today, Peru needs shepherds capable of listening to the questions of our time and illuminating them with the clarity of the Gospel. In this way, you will be able to accompany families, support young people, defend the life and dignity of every person, promote justice and commit to the care of creation, helping in a particular way those who suffer from poverty, exclusion, corruption, violence and a lack of opportunities.

“The Eucharist is the source and summit of our Christian life,” he added. “Before the tabernacle, we regain the correct perspective on our ministry. The Church does not belong to us; it belongs to Christ. We are messengers who will one day complete our journey. Only God remains!”

 

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Further information:

• Apostolic Journey to Peru: Meeting with the Bishops of Peru (Dicastery for Communication - Vatican Media, 11/12/26)
• Meeting with the Bishops of Peru in the Chapel of the Archbishop’s Residence in Lima (Holy See Press Office, 11/12/26)
• Pope: 'Be shepherds who combine doctrinal clarity with pastoral closeness' (Vatican News, 11/12/26)