In his address, the Pope emphasized that Christian formation goes far beyond the mere transmission of doctrinal knowledge: it is a true “work of synergy and communion” aimed at “giving birth” to faith. According to him, this task involves a profound dynamic that, although sometimes painful, leads the disciple to a vital union with Jesus Christ.

Sharing life, not just doctrine

The Holy Father pointed out that, at times, the image of the formator as a mere “pedagogue” who gives instructions, rather than assuming the role of “father,” has prevailed in the Church. However, he clarified that the Christian mission demands something much higher:

“Our mission is much higher, so we cannot limit ourselves to transmitting a doctrine, a norm, or an ethic. We are called to share what we experience, with generosity, sincere love for souls, a willingness to suffer for others, and an unreserved commitment, like parents who sacrifice themselves for the good of their children.”

The community dimension of training

Referring to the exhortation  Evangelii Gaudium , the Pope emphasized the communal nature of this formative process:

“It is not the priest alone, nor a catechist or a charismatic leader who generates faith, but the Church: the united and living Church, made up of families, young people, celibates and consecrated persons, animated by charity and eager to be fruitful, transmitting to all —and especially to the new generations— the joy and fullness of meaning that she herself lives and experiences.”

A training that requires patience and concrete commitment

Leo XIV reminded everyone that education is an “art” that cannot be improvised and that demands patience, attentive listening, accompaniment, and constant verification. He proposed the parable of the mustard seed as a model, showing how even something small can grow and bear abundant fruit. He invoked the example of great saintly educators—such as St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Philip Neri, St. Joseph Calasanz, St. Gaspar del Bufalo, and St. John Leonardi—and recommended drawing inspiration from St. Augustine’s work, *  De catechizandis rudibus *.

Among the priorities, the Pope encouraged the promotion of consistent, attractive, and personalized life itineraries that lead to Baptism and the sacraments—or to their rediscovery—and that help those who walk a path of faith to mature a renewed lifestyle that encompasses all dimensions of existence: private and public, work, relational, and daily.

In particular, he stressed the need to:

“To nurture in our communities the educational aspects oriented towards respect for human life in all its stages, in particular those that contribute to preventing any form of abuse towards minors and vulnerable people, as well as to accompany and support the victims.”

With these words, the Pope reaffirmed the importance of an integral formation that, rooted in ecclesial communion, generates mature disciples capable of living and transmitting the Gospel with authenticity and commitment.