Pope Leo XIV tells Diocese of Rome to do less, do it better

Pope Leo XIV told clergy and lay leaders in the Diocese of Rome that they have permission to do less in order to do their work better. Speaking at a diocesan assembly on Sept. 18 at the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the pope encouraged priests and pastoral leaders to engage in discernment and pastoral evaluation to face the reality of their local church's activities.

The assembly, which opened the new pastoral year, included hundreds of leaders representing 334 parishes across the 340 square mile diocese. During the meeting, the pope listened to a young woman, a couple, and a member of the Caritas team discuss the joys and challenges of their work and lives. He noted that the diocese's efforts to identify spiritual illnesses have helped the community recognize what needs to be healed or corrected in its ecclesial life.