Pope Calls Peruvian Bishops to Renew Apostolic Witness
Pope Leo XIV received the bishops of Peru at the Vatican during their ad limina visit, urging them to renew their pastoral mission by living in continuity with the example of the Apostles. Addressing the challenges facing the Church in contemporary society, the Pope framed their pilgrimage within a broader historical and spiritual context, recalling the enduring legacy of Saint Toribio de Mogrovejo and the evangelising roots of the Peruvian Church. He described the bishops as heirs to a faith planted through sacrifice and perseverance, reminding them that episcopal leadership today demands both fidelity and humility. The Pope emphasised that the credibility of the Church’s witness depends not on structures alone but on a shared spiritual commitment rooted in communion, responsibility, and service to the People of God amid cultural and social change.
The Pope placed particular emphasis on unity among bishops and between pastors and the faithful, warning that internal divisions weaken the Church’s ability to proclaim the Gospel convincingly. He stressed that authentic communion must be lived rather than managed, calling on bishops to resist isolation, rivalry, and personal ambition. Drawing inspiration from the early Christian communities, he underscored that unity flows from shared faith, prayer, and mission rather than administrative alignment. In this context, the Pope encouraged the Peruvian episcopate to cultivate relationships marked by trust and transparency, noting that pastoral credibility is increasingly measured by coherence between words and actions. He observed that in societies marked by fragmentation and scepticism, the Church’s unity becomes a visible sign of hope and moral clarity.
Turning to evangelisation, Pope Leo XIV urged the bishops to proclaim the Gospel with integrity and courage while remaining attentive to the cultural realities of their communities. He highlighted the importance of transmitting a message received rather than adapted to convenience, affirming that the transformative power of the Gospel lies in its fullness. The Pope acknowledged the complexity of engaging contemporary culture, but insisted that dialogue must never come at the expense of Christian identity. He encouraged pastoral leadership that is confident yet accessible, capable of addressing social concerns while remaining rooted in spiritual truth. According to the Pope, evangelisation today requires clarity, patience, and joy, especially in environments shaped by uncertainty and competing narratives.
The Pope also reflected on pastoral closeness as an essential dimension of episcopal ministry, calling on bishops to remain attentive to the lived realities of their people. He described pastoral leadership as a shared journey marked by listening, presence, and solidarity, particularly with those who are vulnerable or marginalised. Recalling his own pastoral experience in Peru, Pope Leo XIV spoke of the enduring faith of its people and the resilience of local Church communities in times of hardship. He expressed a personal connection to the nation, noting that his years of service there shaped his understanding of hope grounded in faith. The audience concluded with the Pope entrusting the Church in Peru to spiritual protection and encouragement.
