The Pope Urges Priests to Embrace Exchange, Mercy, and Fraternity During Jubilee Year
In a recent address, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of embracing the opportunities presented by jubilee years - specifically, the enriching experience of encountering diverse cultures and deepening one’s understanding of divine mercy. He highlighted the significance of observing the influx of pilgrims during these holy times and actively “sharing the beauty” of different cultures, while also appreciating the “richness” of the Churches from which they originate and the unique pastoral experiences each individual brings.
The Pope described living this exchange as ”a gift from the Lord,” and encouraged those present to participate fully, contributing to “the polychromy of unity and the polyphony of communion.” He further stated that jubilee years offer a chance to cultivate a “more intense awareness of the gift of mercy that flows from the Heart of Christ.”
Focusing on this theme of divine mercy, Pope Francis drew attention to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, prominently featured on the coat of arms of the Portuguese school to whom he was speaking, and to which its first students were consecrated.He urged continued trust “in the Heart of the Lord,” a striving to “come ever closer to Him,” and a commitment to learning “mercy from Him.” He posited that a school dedicated to the Heart of Christ should be “a school of divine mercy,” where students, like the beloved disciple, learn to discern “the heartbeat of God’s love” and become true theologians. He extended this call to all priests, urging them to conform thier lives to Jesus Christ.
The pope stressed that every priestly mission provides an chance to emulate the Good shepherd, requiring not only a “heart of flesh, a human and wise heart,” but also a heart “like that of Jesus” – one united to the Father, passionate for the Church, and filled wiht compassion. He encouraged priests to find rest and “recompose” the unity of their lives by remaining in the presence of the Lord after demanding work, and to continually pray for a heart capable of loving the Church as He does.
Pope Francis also called for a spirit of welcoming fraternity within pontifical colleges, urging priests to present their “bishops,” “diocesan communities,” and future “faithful” to God in prayer. He encouraged them to remain close to Jesus through scripture, sacraments (especially the Eucharist), adoration, spiritual discernment, and kindness. He envisioned the school as a “home, that is, a family surroundings” where students can find belonging. Recalling a speech by Paul VI, the Pope emphasized that a college should be a place of “collegiality, that is, a communion, a friendship, a fusion of spirits,” rather than merely a temporary lodging.
He encouraged the building of such a welcoming environment, referencing the school’s ancient title of “House of Life” earned for sheltering Jews during World War II, framing it as both a legacy and a continuing responsibility. He urged collaboration with the Rector, spiritual Fathers, and the franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Victories to foster this fraternity.
Pope Francis expressed gratitude to the nuns for their “dedication to priests,” their prayers, and their “spiritual motherhood,” acknowledging its significance to God. He concluded by requesting prayers – particularly the Rosary this month – and seeking the intercession of Our Lady of Fatima “for me, for the Church and for peace.”