---
title: Pope encourages Rome's diocese to focus on pastoral evaluation: "Do less"
url: https://www.faithfulnews.com/en/pope-encourages-romes-diocese-to-focus-on-pastoral-evaluation-do-less
published: 2026-09-23T16:49:44+00:00
language: en
section: World Church
source: https://www.vaticannews.va/sv/paven/news/2026-09/paven-uppmanar-roms-stift-till-pastoral-utvardering-gor-mindre.html
organizations: Rome, San Giovanni in Laterano, Caritas, Don Luigi Di Liegro
publisher: FaithfulNews
---

# Pope encourages Rome's diocese to focus on pastoral evaluation: "Do less"

Pope Leo XIV has encouraged Rome's diocese to begin its new pastoral year by taking time to listen, discern, and evaluate its activities, instead of simply adding new initiatives. In his address to the diocesan assembly at the basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano on Friday, the pope stated that he was not presenting a new pastoral program, but suggesting a common method for "pastoral evaluation." The process involves, he explained, pausing and re-reading what has happened, discerning what has borne fruit, understanding what has not worked, and together seeking the reasons for this. The whole church community should participate and, where possible, listen to those who do not regularly engage in church life.

"Why do some initiatives give rise to pathways while others remain isolated?" "Why are you crying? Who are you seeking?" Pope Leo began his reflection with the gospel story of Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb on Easter morning. He highlighted Jesus' questions to her, "Why are you crying? Who are you seeking?", as questions also for the church and the city of Rome. He emphasized the vitality that already exists in the diocese through parishes, associations, movements, and other church realities that work with evangelization, acts of love, and prayer. At the same time, he noted that the large number of activities can pose a risk of communities losing sight of their evangelical center.

Thus, pastoral work should not begin solely with the question of what to do, but rather who to meet and how this meeting should take place. When Mary hears Jesus call her by name, she recognizes him. Similarly, people in the church communities should not remain anonymous or invisible, but be seen, known, and called by name. A genuine encounter with Christ then becomes a source of missionary joy. "The church does not exist for its own sake, but to lead every person to an encounter with the Lord."

## This story in other languages

- [Polski](https://www.faithfulnews.com/pl/papiez-wezwal-diecezje-rzymska-do-pastoralskiej-oceny)