Pope Francis told a group of U.S. bishops that, like them, he is accused of not being courageous or not listening to the Holy Spirit when he says or does something someone disagrees with — like not mentioning married priests in his document on the Amazon.
Talking about debates, differences and discernment, Pope Francis told a group of U.S. bishops that people focused on the possibility of ordaining some married men and women deacons for service in the Amazon will be disappointed in his apostolic exhortation.
Just as Christ spent his ministry healing and comforting the sick and the needy, bishops also must be a sign of charity in their dioceses, said Bishop Peter J. Jugis of Charlotte, North Carolina.
Celebrating Mass at the tomb of St. Peter and professing the Creed there reminds bishops of the importance of God’s love and mercy and the need always to promote the unity of the Church, said Archbishop John C. Wester of Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Bishops from the northwestern United States ended their “ad limina” visit praying at the tomb of St. Paul after being reminded that a renewal of their ministry would come only with a renewal of their relationship with Jesus Christ.
The life of every Christian, and especially of every bishop, involves “a call, a response and a mission,” Bishop Michael W. Warfel of Great Falls-Billings, Montana, told his brother bishops from the Northwest.
Bishops must follow the path set by Christ and place service above the prominence of their positions, said Bishop Andrew E. Bellisario of Juneau, Alaska.
Bishops from the northwestern United States spent more than two and half hours with Pope Francis and came away talking about his small gestures and, especially, his understanding and encouragement.