Vatican City – In a festive atmosphere that saw a great number of priests take part in the Eucharistic Celebration in St Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV presided over Holy Mass for the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, a day the Church dedicates especially to the sanctification of priests. This year’s celebration was enriched by a twofold event: the Jubilee of Priests within the framework of the 2025 Holy Year and the ordination of 32 new presbyters from various countries around the world.
"Today we joyfully celebrate this Eucharist in the Jubilee of Priests," the Pope began in his homily, addressing first and foremost the many priests present in the Basilica, who had come to cross the Holy Door and once more immerse their lives and vocations in the Pierced Heart of the Saviour. For the 32 ordinands, this gesture held a unique meaning: "That of Ordination," the Pope reminded, marking the beginning of their priestly ministry.
At the heart of his reflection, Leo XIV meditated on the meaning of the Heart of Christ, which expresses the entire mystery of His incarnation, passion, and resurrection, and which has been "entrusted to us in a special way so that we may make it present in the world."
"The priestly ministry is a ministry of sanctification and reconciliation for the unity of the Body of Christ. This is why the Second Vatican Council urges presbyters to strive to "lead all to unity in charity", harmonising differences so that "no one […] may feel like a stranger". It also recommends that they be united with the bishop and within the presbyterate. For the more we are united among ourselves, the better we will be able to lead others to the fold of the Good Shepherd, to live as brothers in the one house of the Father," said Leo XIV.
The Pope focused on three biblical references: the Good Shepherd in Ezekiel, the God who reconciles in the Letter to the Romans, and the joy for the lost sheep found in the Gospel of Luke. From these, a strong call emerged to live the priesthood as a service of unity and reconciliation, placing the Eucharist at the centre, along with frequent confession, prayer, meditation on the Word, and pastoral charity.
"Ours is a ministry of sanctification and reconciliation for the unity of the Body of Christ," the Pontiff insisted, reiterating the call of the Second Vatican Council to lead all to unity in charity, and inviting priests to walk in unity with the presbyterate and with their bishop, so as to be effective instruments of communion.
Recalling the words of Saint Augustine, Leo XIV spoke of the deep ecclesial communion that binds bishops, priests, and the faithful, founded on the same grace and mercy: "For you, I am a bishop; with you, I am a Christian," he quoted.
Finally, the Holy Father addressed the newly ordained directly: "I would like to share with you a few simple things, but which I believe are important for your future and for the souls that will be entrusted to you." Among his exhortations: to love God and neighbour, to be fervent in the Sacraments and generous in ministry, close to the people, humble and steadfast in faith, avoiding the allure of the world and following the example of the great saintly priests in the Church's history.
"Do not be captivated by fleeting models of success," the Pope warned, "but look to the solid example of those who served the Lord and their brothers with faith and dedication."
The homily concluded with a supplication to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of priests and Mother of hope, to accompany each of them in becoming ever more conformed to the Heart of the Good Shepherd.
It was an intense celebration, marked by gestures rich in meaning: the Pope laid his hands upon and anointed the hands of many new priests. This was the second priestly ordination presided over by Pope Leo in a short span, confirming his deep closeness to the presbyterate, his genuine affection for priests, and his concrete concern for vocations. At the heart of the Jubilee Year, he has given to the Church and to the world new labourers for the harvest, witnesses of that love which "springs from the pierced side of the Crucified One, embraces all humanity, and fills the world."
d.T.C.
Silere non possum