Pope Leo XIV calls on Latin American bishops to lead from ground

Pope Leo XIV urged bishops in Latin America and the Caribbean to conduct pastoral visits and meet personally with their communities rather than leading from behind a desk. In a letter dated Sept. 8, the pope stated that certain aspects of a diocese are difficult to understand without direct contact and encouraged leaders to seek out people who rarely have the opportunity to approach a bishop.

The Vatican released the letter on Sept. 19 to mark the 300th anniversary of the canonization of St. Turibius of Mogrovejo, a 16th-century Spanish missionary bishop who traveled across Peru. Pope Leo XIV used the missionary as a model for pastoral leadership, noting that his own episcopal ministry in Peru helped him understand what it means to be a shepherd.

The pope called on bishops to stay close to priests, defend vulnerable people, nurture spiritual lives, and promote Eucharistic adoration. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining communion with the Church and the Successor of Peter.