Pope to Argentina’s clergy and religious: ‘Let us not give up!'
Vatican News
Pope Leo XIV met with bishops, priests, deacons, religious, seminarians and pastoral workers at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in Córdoba on Tuesday, the third day of his apostolic visit to Argentina.
The encounter included a welcome address by Cardinal Ángel Sixto Rossi, in which he called for a Church attentive to people’s needs, particularly those most wounded, and committed to walking alongside them in neighborhoods, prisons and hospitals, as well as testimonies from four people involved in the life of the Church.
In his address, the Pope invited those present to return to the source of their vocation and renew their relationship with Christ, recalling the spiritual tradition of Argentina and figures such as Mama Antula, Saint José Gabriel del Rosario Brochero and Pope Francis.
Returning to the heart of one’s vocation
Drawing on the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises, he asked them to consider the question: “Why are we here?” He warned that pastoral commitments can sometimes take the place of prayer and intimacy with God.
“We work hard for God yet spend less and less time with him,” he said, calling for renewed attention to the Eucharist, the Word of God and personal prayer.
Pope Leo also highlighted the need for ongoing conversion, humility and freedom to respond to God's call, including when it leads in unexpected directions. He encouraged pastoral workers to examine their lives and remain open to the places and people to whom they are sent.
A Church close to the poor
Reflecting on the Church's social mission, he recognized its commitment to those who suffer, while insisting that material assistance must be accompanied by spiritual care and the proclamation of Christ.
Again, he recalled Pope Francis and his teaching, and he quoted Evangelii Gaudium: “the worst discrimination which the poor suffer is the lack of spiritual care.”
The Church, the Pope added, is not simply a humanitarian organization, but is sent to bring Christ to the world.
Fidelity amid suffering and limitations
Addressing seminarians, Pope Leo encouraged them to learn to see others through God's eyes and to allow themselves to be evangelized by the people they encounter. “Even those who have the least can teach us a great deal,” he said, referring to the testimony shared during the meeting.
He also spoke of perseverance when ministry brings weariness or few visible results. “Even amid doubts and weariness, one continues to say with one’s life: ‘Here I am,’” he said.
And recalling Saint Héctor Valdivielso Sáez and Saint Brochero, he explained that physical limitations and difficult circumstances need not bring an end to service.
Testimonies of faith and service
Responding to the testimonies brought by Laura Sampallo, a consecrated woman, and by Father Martín Carranza, a priest of the Archdiocese of Córdoba, the Pope recalled his own recent hospitalization and encouraged those present not to lose their missionary zeal.
“Our strength may run out, but God’s power never will,” he said, adding that technology can also help the Church continue to proclaim the Gospel.
Bringing his address to a close, Pope Leo returned to the Ignatian prayer of offering oneself to God: “Take, Lord, and receive…” He invited those present to ask whether the Lord could still make use of them. “If the answer remains ‘yes,’ then there is much ahead of us. Let us not give up!”
Finally, he encouraged the Church in Argentina to continue fostering vocations, vibrant parishes, religious communities and seminaries capable of forming people for holiness. He also recalled Pope Francis’ appeal to young people in Rio de Janeiro, in which he spoke of a Church that continues to “make noise” through its missionary presence.
Pope Leo concluded by entrusting the Church in Argentina to Our Lady of Luján and urging those present to return to their communities with renewed hope, freedom, and commitment to their mission.
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