Pope to Italian Bishops: We Are First Called to Look to Jesus

Assisi, Italy, 20 November 2025 — Addressing the closing session of the 81st General Assembly of the Italian Bishops' Conference (CEI) at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, Pope Leo XIV called on the Italian bishops to “be first called to look to Jesus and, more than ever, place Christ at the center” of their ministry. 

Pope Leo stressed that synodality means walking together with Christ towards the Kingdom of God:

“First of all… synodality indicates the ‘walking together of Christians with Christ and toward the Kingdom of God’ in union withwith all humanity.” 

He asked the bishops to remain close to families, the elderly, the poor, and those living in solitude, and to commit themselves to building communities marked by welcome, listening, and protection. He said the ministry of bishops should reflect genuine service:

“Continue to stay close to families, to young people, to the elderly… continue to commit yourselves in the care of the poor.” 

The Pope affirmed that in a fragmented world, the Church must become “artisans of friendship, of fraternity, of authentic relationships” and thereby serve as a prophetic presence of peace.

Source and Image Credits : Vatican News