Pope Leo to Meet with Vocation Ministry Leaders at Jubilee Event for Priests and Seminarians

VATICAN CITY, June 24, 2025: Pope Leo XIV will meet with leaders involved in vocational ministry and the formation of seminarians from around the world during a Jubilee event which will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at the Auditorium Conciliazione near the Vatican. 

Organised by the Dicastery for the Clergy, the gathering, titled “Joyful Priests—I Have Called You Friends”, is being held as part of the celebrations for the Jubilee of Seminarians and Priests. It aims to foster encounter, reflection, and sharing among individuals from across the world who are involved in initial formation and vocational ministry. The session will be held in the evening, with participation open to all involved in vocational ministry.

The event, themed after Jesus’ words in the Gospel of John—"I have called you friends" (Jn 15:15)—will begin with a prayer and welcome address by Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Clergy. 

During the first session of the event, five speakers will present examples of vocational ministry from their respective regions. 

Fr. José Alberto Estrada García from Mexico will present the diocesan vocational centre of Monterrey as a concrete example of local-level accompaniment.

Fr. Michele Gianola from Italy will speak about various dimensions of current vocational outreach in his country. 

Dr. María Lía Zervino from Argentina will discuss a missionary youth ministry experience that fosters vocations to the priesthood, consecrated life, and Christian marriage. 

Dr Maura Murphy will highlight a resurgence in vocations in Ireland.

Fr. Florentino Pérez Vaquer from Spain will present a new national initiative in vocational ministry. 

Pope Leo XIV will deliver the keynote address at the event, reflecting on the meaning of the priestly vocation today—its beauty and its call to holiness and communion in the daily life of ministry. His speech will be followed by an open forum where attendees can ask questions, share testimonies, and discuss their experiences.

The second part of the gathering will highlight five exemplary models of initial seminary formation, presented by speakers from Africa, the Philippines, Colombia, Brazil, and the United States.

The event will conclude in time for participants to attend a vocations vigil at St. Peter’s Basilica. 

Participation in the event is free of charge, but registration is required via the official website of the Dicastery for the Clergy: www.clerus.va.

Courtesy: Vatican News