By Charles Igwe
Pope Leo XIV has encouraged seminarians from the Triveneto region of northern Italy to remain focused on Christ throughout their vocational journey, urging them to cultivate trust, fraternity, and a deep relationship with Jesus. The pope delivered his message during a special audience at the Vatican on Wednesday morning, prior to his weekly General Audience.
Describing the meeting as a continuation of their encounter during the Jubilee for Seminarians in St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo welcomed the group warmly, noting the familiarity of their faces and the richness of their Christian roots. He recalled that Blessed Pope John Paul I, who hailed from their region, embodied the finest virtues of their people and stands as a model of priestly life.
Drawing inspiration from the writings of St. Augustine, Pope Leo reflected on the tension between the desire to follow Christ and the human inclination toward fear and temptation. Like Augustine, the pope said, seminarians must learn to entrust themselves fully to the Lord.
“Have boundless trust in the One who has called you,” he urged, “letting go of the illusion that you are sufficient on your own or that you can walk this path by yourselves.”
In moments of difficulty or spiritual dryness, he advised, seminarians should cling to the words of the psalms: “I cast myself upon the faithfulness of God, now and forever.”
Pope Leo emphasized the importance of remaining rooted in the Word of God and the sacraments, which he described as “perennial sources of spiritual strength and renewal.” He cautioned against isolation, warning that being a “protagonist” in ministry does not mean becoming a “soloist.”
“Cultivate communion,” he told them, particularly with their fellow seminarians, and foster a transparent and trusting relationship with their formators.
Turning to those responsible for the seminarians’ formation, the pope offered a direct appeal: “Be good companions on the journey. Offer the humble witness of your life and faith, and accompany them with sincere affection.” He affirmed that both seminarians and their formators are supported by the broader Church, especially by their bishops.
Above all, Pope Leo said, seminarians must “keep their eyes fixed on Jesus” and nurture a deep friendship with Him.
“Encountering Jesus saves our lives,” he concluded, “and gives us the strength and joy to proclaim the Gospel to all.”
He ended his address with a prayer that the Blessed Virgin Mary would guide and accompany the seminarians on their journey of faith.
