Pope suggests Rome Diocese might do less, but better

Addressing the Diocesan Assembly at the Basilica of St John Lateran on September 18, the Pope said he was not presenting a new pastoral programme but proposing a shared method of “pastoral evaluation”.

The process, he explained, means stopping to reread what has happened, recognising what has borne fruit, understanding what has not worked and seeking together the reasons why. It should involve the whole ecclesial community and, where possible, also listening to those who do not regularly participate in Church life.

Pope Leo noted that the proposed process should not become another burden for priests and pastoral workers.

“The art of pastoral evaluation,” he said, “does not ask you to do more”; rather, it gives the Church permission to “do less and do it better”.

He called priests to listen before responding and discern before deciding, while recognising the charisms and responsibilities of lay people. “Presiding does not mean doing everything”, he said, but generating communion and enabling the gifts of others.

The Pope identified three principal areas for the Diocese’s examination of its pastoral life.

The first is “meeting Christ and helping others to meet him”. Activities should be assessed not only by their organisation or participation, but by whether they genuinely lead people to Christ and connect the Gospel with their lives.

The second is “generating community”. Christian communities should offer relationships in which people feel welcomed, accompanied, valued and responsible. Pope Leo made particular mention of the need to offer young people time and attentive listening.

The third is “inhabiting and serving the city”. Rome, Pope Leo said, is not simply the backdrop for the Church’s activities but the place of its mission. The Church is called to share the city’s expectations, fragilities and questions and to recognise where the Gospel can offer an answer.

A fourth concern that cuts across all three is the formation of the People of God. Thus, explaining that pastoral activities must help people grow in faith, become missionary disciples, assume ecclesial responsibilities and develop a mature faith capable of being translated into concrete choices of life and service, the Pope reminded those present that pastoral activities may always foster mature faith, missionary discipleship and responsibility within the Church.

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Pope calls Diocese of Rome to pastoral evaluation: ‘Do less and do it better’ (Vatican News)