Pope urges new bishops: Remain with Jesus and his people

By CathNews New Zealand

September 15th, 2026

Pope Leo XIV (Edgar Beltrán/The Pillar/Wikimedia Commons)

Pope Leo XIV has urged new bishops to “remain with Jesus” as their most important priority, speaking to and about him and spending time in prayer. Source: Vatican News.

At the Vatican on September 10, the Pope told 147 newly-ordained bishops from five continents to “Always cherish your time with the Lord: the Eucharist, the Word of God, prayer and those moments in which you can remain in his presence with the simple heart of a disciple who allows himself to be loved by his Lord”.

Pope Leo invited the new bishops to have “the heart of Jesus, the Good Shepherd”, turned completely to the Father and given entirely to their brothers and sisters.

“A bishop is a man who learns each day to love his people more deeply: to know their joys and sorrows, to share their dreams and to rejoice as he sees communities grow,” he said.

As they ordain priests and deacons, meet enthusiastic young people and walk with people amid difficulties, bishops are called to love all people the Lord has entrusted to them by learning their names and their stories, Pope Leo said.

“Learn their names, listen to their stories, enter their homes whenever possible and pray with them. Especially in young Churches, the presence of the bishop often speaks volumes even before his words do.”

Pope Leo XIV urged the new bishops to carry our “pastoral solicitude”, which means carrying people in their heart, especially their priests.

“In this regard, dear brothers, I urge you to love your priests,” the Pope said.

“Let each one find in you a father and a brother. Listen to them, encourage them, pray for them, rejoice in the good they accomplish and accompany them with trust in their ministry.

“Give particular attention to those who are elderly and ill. Let them feel that they are precious, that the Church is grateful to them, and that the bishop does not forget them. Sometimes a telephone call, a visit, or an affectionate word from you is enough.”

Bishops must continue to proclaim the Gospel of salvation to everyone, the Pope added, before also inviting the new bishops to keep their hearts open to everyone, even those who profess no faith.

FULL STORY

Pope: Bishops must carry everyone in their heart, like Christ (By Devin Watkins/Vatican News)

Pope to new bishops: The most important mission is to ‘remain with Jesus’ (EWTN News)