In a St. Peter’s Basilica filled with faithful and consecrated to the recollection of Holy Thursday, Pope Francis presided over the Chrism Mass and delivered a heartfelt homily to priests, reminding them of the need to live their ministry as servants of hope and witnesses of divine compassion.

“We are called to anoint, not to point fingers,” the Pontiff warned, encouraging priests to cultivate an attitude of closeness, tenderness, and humility. In the context of the Holy Year 2025, the Pope insisted that the Church’s ministers are invited to renew their vocation through a true journey of conversion, returning to the heart of their mission: to console, heal, and accompany the people with hope.

One of the central points of his reflection was “compunction,” an ancient word that Francis reclaimed as current and necessary. He referred to it as a wound that touches the heart, opens the door to repentance, and allows one to weep from the depths of the soul. “Tears purify and open space for grace,” said the Pope, emphasizing that this inner experience is a source of authenticity and pastoral mercy.

In his message, he also warned about the danger of falling into a disenchanted outlook or an empty routine. Faced with this, he encouraged priests to rediscover the joy of serving, with a clear gaze, capable of seeing God at work even in the darkest situations.

The homily concluded with a prayer for priests and the entire Church, so that, as an anointed community, it may remain steadfast in its vocation to be a beacon of hope in the world.