- 21 May, 2026
Vatican, May 21, 2026: Pope Leo XIV on Thursday met participants attending a gathering of Moderators of associations of the faithful, ecclesial movements, and new communities, organised by the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life.
During his address, the Pope reflected on governance within the Church, observing that the leadership of any organisation is essential for its effectiveness and continuity.
He said governance means providing “a sure direction, so that the community may be a place of growth for the people who belong to it.”
In the Church, he explained, leadership is not limited to handling practical affairs, but above all represents an expression of God’s saving will through Christ.
Pope Leo noted that leadership in lay associations is entrusted to lay faithful by their communities, which elect them freely.
The Pope then highlighted three implications arising from leaders receiving this gift of the Holy Spirit.
He said leadership must serve the whole community rather than personal interests, and it should never be imposed but instead recognised and freely accepted.
He further explained that leadership in the Church is a charism that must be exercised in harmony with and under the discernment of Bishops.
“Certain characteristics must always be present in governance: mutual listening, co-responsibility, transparency, fraternal closeness, and community discernment,” said the Pope. “I would also like to recall that good governance, instead of concentrating everything on itself, promotes subsidiarity, and the responsible participation of all members of the community.”
Pope Leo then reflected on the prophetic mission of lay leaders in the Church, saying this calls for attentiveness to present pastoral needs in order to respond to emerging challenges.
“Belonging,” he said, “is authentic and fruitful when it is not exhausted in participation in activities internal to the group, but interprets the signs of the times and reaches outward, addressing everyone, the culture of the time, and fields of mission not yet explored.”
At the same time, he said lay associations and ecclesial movements are called to live communion among themselves and with the universal Church.
Speaking off-the-cuff, Pope Leo observed that some groups may think theirs is the only authentic charism. However, he warned that ecclesial movements must remain in communion with the whole Church and with their local Bishop, even when disagreements arise.
Returning to his prepared remarks, the Pope said Church leaders must be willing to listen to different viewpoints, cultural realities, and personal temperaments, while striving to safeguard the “higher good of communion.”
Pope Leo XIV encouraged lay leaders to give witness through meekness, detachment, and selfless love while living out the founding charism of their movements.
“Every authentic charism already includes within itself fidelity and openness to the Church,” he said.
Finally, the Pope commended the history and mission of lay associations and ecclesial movements, noting that they have formed many committed individuals and effective evangelisers.
“Preserve and, with the grace of God, help all these gifts to grow!” he concluded. “The Church supports and accompanies you.”
Courtesy: Vatican News
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