Zuko Komisa
Pope Leo XIV has issued a clear and firm mandate to the global Catholic hierarchy, strongly affirming the necessity of priestly celibacy and demanding “firm and decisive” action from bishops in addressing sex abuse within the Church.
The pontiff delivered these directives during a significant address to approximately 400 bishops and cardinals representing 38 countries.
Speaking from St. Peter’s Basilica, the gathering was part of this week’s special Holy Year celebrations for clergy, following an encouraging message the Pope delivered to young seminarians just the day before.
Pope Leo’s address provided a comprehensive outline of the responsibilities bishops must undertake to guide their congregations effectively.
“[Bishops] must be firm and decisive in dealing with situations that can cause scandal and with every case of abuse, especially involving minors, and fully respect the legislation currently in force,” said Pope Leo XIV.
Beyond the critical issues of celibacy and abuse, he reiterated that the primary duty of bishops is to foster unity among clergy within their dioceses and to maintain a close relationship with their flock “in word and deed.”
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, served as the prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Bishops from 2023 until his election in May and was responsible for vetting bishop nominations for Pope Francis, seeking out leaders who would advance Francis’s vision of an inclusive Church where “all are welcome and dialogue is the decisive form of governance.”
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