Pope Leo XIV Urges Patient Christian Formation Rooted in Care, Accompaniment, and Safeguarding

Pope Leo XIV has called for a renewed and patient approach to Christian formation, stressing that authentic faith education must safeguard human dignity at every stage of life and actively prevent all forms of abuse. Addressing participants in the plenary assembly of the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life in Rome, the Pope outlined a vision of formation grounded in accompaniment, community, and responsibility.

Speaking on 6 February, Pope Leo XIV emphasized that Christian formation cannot be reduced to instruction alone. Instead, it must be a living process that respects human life in all its phases, particularly by protecting minors and vulnerable people and by supporting victims of abuse with care and justice. He described this commitment as an essential task for Church communities worldwide.

The plenary assembly, held from 4 to 6 February, focused on the theme Until Christ is formed in you, drawing from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Galatians. Participants reflected on how the laity is formed in Christian life and how large ecclesial gatherings contribute to lived faith. In this context, the Pope highlighted the communal dimension of belief, noting that faith is generated and sustained within the life of the Church itself.

According to Pope Leo, Christian life is not transmitted by individuals acting alone, whether priests, catechists, or charismatic leaders. Rather, it is conveyed through the shared love of a living community made up of families, young people, consecrated persons, and single adults. When animated by charity, the Church becomes naturally fruitful, passing on faith and meaning to new generations.

The Pope compared Christian formation to parenthood, explaining that parents do not give life out of need, but out of a desire to share love and joy. He warned that within the Church, the role of the formator can sometimes be reduced to that of a teacher imparting skills, rather than a spiritual parent who generates faith through example and self giving love.

He stressed that transmitting doctrine and moral norms, while important, is not sufficient on its own. Those responsible for formation are called to share their lived experience of faith, offering generosity, sincere care for others, and the willingness to sacrifice for the good of those entrusted to them. This approach, he said, reflects the attitude of Saint Paul and many saints who shaped Christian communities through closeness and compassion.

Pope Leo also acknowledged the complexity of formation work. Guiding people toward Baptism, the Sacraments, and a mature Christian life requires patience, listening, and ongoing accompaniment. Formation must help believers integrate faith into every area of life, including work, relationships, and daily decisions, both in private and in public.

He noted that the art of formation cannot be improvised and must be supported by personal and communal discernment. Drawing on the example of saints such as Ignatius of Loyola, Philip Neri, Augustine, and others, he encouraged participants not to lose heart when challenges appear overwhelming.

Concluding his address, Pope Leo urged those involved in formation to begin with small steps, trusting in the Gospel logic of the mustard seed. With confidence in God’s grace and the guidance of the Virgin Mary, he said, the Church can continue forming Christians capable of living faith with integrity, care, and responsibility.