By Charles Igwe
In a profound letter penned on 17 July and published on 4 August, Pope Francis emphasizes the transformative power of literature in personal and spiritual growth. Addressed to future priests and pastoral workers, his letter extols the virtues of reading novels and poems, advocating for a “renewed love for reading” and a significant shift in the preparation of seminarians to include more literary works.
Pope Francis articulates that a good book not only stimulates the heart and mind but also prepares individuals for life’s challenges. He suggests that literature educates “the hearts and minds of pastors” by fostering a free and humble use of reason and a deeper appreciation for the diversity of human experiences. This, in turn, broadens human sensitivity and spiritual openness, qualities essential for those in pastoral roles.
The Pope underscores the invaluable contribution of literature and poetry in touching the hearts of contemporary people. He argues that the ability to move and open individuals to the proclamation of the Lord Jesus is greatly enhanced by the insights and emotional resonance offered by literary works.
Highlighting the personal benefits of reading, Pope Francis notes that good books can serve as an oasis, providing solace during moments of weariness, anger, disappointment, or failure. In times when prayer alone may not suffice to restore inner peace, literature can offer a path to serenity.
Pope Francis observes that, in the past, people dedicated more time to reading, before the ubiquity of social media, mobile phones, and other digital distractions. He points out that audiovisual content, while comprehensive, often restricts the time for enriching narratives and exploring deeper meanings. In contrast, reading a book engages the reader more actively, making literature a “living and ever fruitful text.”
The Pope acknowledges that some seminaries have begun to counter the obsession with screens and toxic, superficial media by dedicating time to literature. However, he also recognizes that seminarians may still lack sufficient opportunities to engage deeply with literary works, which are sometimes dismissed as a minor art not essential to priestly education. Pope Francis warns that such an approach leads to “serious intellectual and spiritual impoverishment,” depriving future priests of the profound cultural and personal insights that literature offers.
In a call to action, Pope Francis urges believers and priests to ensure that everyone can encounter the tangible, historical humanity of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the importance of never losing sight of the “flesh” of Jesus, characterized by passions, emotions, feelings, and actions that embody love and compassion.
For these reasons, Pope Francis underscores that familiarity with literature enhances the sensitivity of future priests and pastoral workers to the full humanity of Jesus, wherein his divinity is wholly present. His letter is a heartfelt appeal for a deeper integration of literary appreciation into spiritual formation, recognizing its unparalleled value in nurturing well-rounded, empathetic, and spiritually attuned individuals.
