Pope urges Rome priests to rekindle faith and proclaim Christ’s promises

Vatican City, Februrary 19, 2026: Pope Leo XIV called on priests of the Diocese of Rome to renew the gift of faith, proclaim the Gospel with urgency, remain close to families and young people, and strengthen priestly fraternity—particularly in support of young priests who may feel burdened or discouraged.

Meeting the priests at the Vatican on Thursday, the Pope encouraged them to rekindle the fire first ignited by God when they were entrusted with the mission of collaborating in His work. Expressing his “great joy” at the encounter, the Pope remarked humorously that even though Lent had just begun, the gathering “is not an act of penance.”

In his address, Pope Leo highlighted both the challenges priests face today and the priorities they must embrace, urging them to allow faith to sustain their ministry.

Rekindling God’s gift

The Holy Father cautioned priests against viewing themselves as “passive executors of an already defined pastoral plan,” instead inviting them to act creatively in cooperation with God’s work.

“Church of Rome," Pope Leo said, "remember to rekindle the gift of God."

Acknowledging the pressures priests face—“by rapid cultural changes and the scenarios in which our mission unfolds, sometimes beset by fatigue and the weight of routine, or discouraged by the growing indifference toward faith and religious practice”—the Pope noted that “we feel the need for this fire to be nourished and rekindled.”

He further stressed the importance of communion among clergy, stating, “We cannot think and act in isolation,” while observing how both personal lives and parish realities have undergone profound change over the years.

“It is urgent," he said, "to return to proclaiming the Gospel. This is the priority,” urging priests to find “paths and ways that help people come back into contact with the promise of Jesus.”

Transmitting faith without losing heart

To better pass on the faith, the Pope encouraged priests to seek new approaches that more fully involve children, young people, and families.

Speaking about pastoral work with young people—where faith is often intertwined with cultural and social influences—he said, “It is necessary to grasp and interpret the deep existential discomfort that inhabits them, their confusion, their many difficulties.”

Within this framework, Pope Leo emphasised that parishes are called to engage in dialogue “with institutions present in the area, with schools, with specialists in education and the human sciences, and with all those who care about the destiny and future of our young people.”

“We do not have easy solutions that guarantee immediate results," Pope Leo admitted, "but, as much as possible, we can remain attentive to young people, make ourselves present, welcome them, and share a part of their lives.”

Persevering despite fatigue

Addressing younger priests in particular, the Holy Father acknowledged that they “often experience firsthand the potential and the burdens of their generation and of this era.”

“I invite you never to close yourselves off,” he said. “Do not be afraid to engage in dialogue, even about your weariness and your crises, especially with brother priests whom you believe can help you.”

Concluding his address, Pope Leo encouraged the clergy to “live concretely priestly fraternity,” calling on them to walk together in mutual care and support: “Let us accompany and support one another.”

Courtesy: Vatican News