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June 18, 2025 at 04:28 AM
*Pope Leo XIV to Italian Bishops: Center the Faith on Christ and Embrace Bold Evangelization*
In an address to the Italian Bishops' Conference, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the urgent need to proclaim the faith with Jesus Christ at the center. He urged bishops to foster a personal encounter with Christ, drawing on Evangelii gaudium as a guide for joyful evangelization. Recognizing the fragmentation of modern society, the Pope called for a return to the kerygma—the foundational proclamation of the Gospel—and for pastoral efforts that reach even the most distant. He stressed building a Church that is a visible sign of peace and reconciliation, especially in struggling communities. The Pope encouraged collegiality among bishops and with civil authorities to reflect communion and serve the common good. He acknowledged rising challenges such as secularism, demographic decline, and technological shifts that risk dehumanizing society. Pope Leo also emphasized the dignity of the human person and the importance of anthropological reflection as part of pastoral discernment. Finally, he called on the bishops to walk in unity, empower the laity in their social roles, and proclaim the Gospel without fear.