In a moving ceremony held today in St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV ordained eleven new priests for the Diocese of Rome. During his homily, the Holy Father made a forceful call to the newly ordained to live their ministries with profound credibility and sincere humility, essential to healing and rebuilding a Church he described as “wounded.”

The Pope focused his message on the need for priests to be “guardians and servants,” seeking no other power than that of being children of God. He emphasized that the Gospel mission is transmitted through bonds that, although the world may try to fray, cannot be destroyed. He stresses the importance of constant prayer and unconditional service to the most vulnerable, reminding the new priests that their vocation is a call to be “known lives, legible lives, credible lives” for the people of God.

Today’s ordination marks a significant moment for the Church in Rome, adding new pastoral strength at a crucial time. Pope Leo XIV urged them to be beacons of hope and witnesses in their communities, especially in a world desperately seeking authenticity and genuine faith.

Homily of Pope Leo XIV to the New Priests:

Dear brothers and sisters, what a joy it is for me to be with you today in this Basilica of St. Peter, the heart of our Church! We are here to celebrate a moment of immense grace and hope: the ordination of eleven new priests for the service of our Lord and his holy Church.

To you, dear children, who will be ordained today, I want to say something from the depths of my heart. Your calling is an inestimable gift, but also a monumental responsibility. You are called to be pastors, teachers, and sanctifiers, not by your own strength, but by the grace of God at work in you.

We live in a time when the Church, our beloved Mother, is wounded. Wounded by our faults, by our sins, by our lack of witness. And the world often looks at us with skepticism, seeking signs of authenticity. Therefore, your mission is crucial. You are asked to live credible lives. What does this mean? It means that your lives must be a living Gospel. Your words must be accompanied by your actions; your faith must be manifested in your way of living, loving, and serving.

Do not seek power, but humble service. Always remember that you are not masters of the flock, but its guardians and servants. You are called to be among the people, to listen to their joys and their sorrows, to share their hopes and their fears. Be close to the most fragile, to the marginalized, to those who feel alone and forgotten. In them, you will find the face of Christ.

The Gospel reaches us through bonds that the world can wear down, yes, but never destroy. These bonds are prayer, the Eucharist, the Word of God, and fraternal charity. Keep your hearts rooted in these vital bonds. Be people of prayer, who find strength for each day in intimacy with the Lord. Celebrate the Eucharist with reverence and devotion, aware that in every Mass you offer Christ’s sacrifice for the salvation of the world. Proclaim the Word of God with zeal, allowing it to transform your own lives first.

The credibility of the Church depends on the credibility of her pastors. Be transparent, be authentic, be humble. Do not be afraid of your weaknesses, but rather entrust them to the Lord, who makes you strong. Be faithful to your bishop, to your presbytery, and above all, to Christ who has chosen you.

May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of priests, accompany and protect you on your journey. May the Holy Spirit enlighten you and give you the strength to be courageous and faithful witnesses of God’s love in the world. Amen!