World Church · November 13, 2026
Pope Leo XIV tells Argentine priests and religious communities not to lose heart
Pope Leo XIV addressed priests, deacons, seminarians, and members of religious communities in Argentina on Tuesday, expressing joy at meeting those who have dedicated their lives to serving the Lord and his people. The pontiff reflected on deep spiritual practices rooted in the land's history, recalling figures such as Sister Maria Elizabeth and Saint Joseph Gabriel of the Rosary, who worked to make these practices accessible. He noted that Pope Francis, a Jesuit from Argentina, brought the richness of Saint Ignatius's spirituality to the universal church.
The Pope emphasized the importance of returning to one's original calling. He posed fundamental questions about why people are in religious life, noting that a vocation begins with Christ's call. He explained that everything that follows should flow from that initial acceptance. The Pope acknowledged the challenges that arise after years of religious life, when contradictions emerge between working hard for God while spending little time with him, and becoming dependent on work rather than on God himself.
Pope Leo XIV stressed that returning to the Eucharist, listening to God's word, and maintaining a relationship with God can restore proper balance to religious life. He urged priests and religious to keep the fire of their vocation alive and not let daily pressures extinguish it. The Pope warned against becoming accustomed to things that once troubled them, such as harshness toward others, resistance to correction, enmity, and attachments that gradually steal freedom.
The pontiff called for examination of conscience and regular confession, noting that there is no age at which conversion ceases to be necessary. He emphasized that the question is not how much one has disappointed God, but whether one remains available to him. The Pope addressed the tension between initial willingness to give everything and the tendency over time to develop preferences and comfort zones, asking whether the Lord can still send people where they did not plan to go.
Pope Leo XIV highlighted the church's sensitivity to social needs in Argentina and praised its efforts to stand with suffering people. However, he insisted this closeness must go further, as those served should encounter Christ and be called to conversion. He quoted his predecessor's memorable words that the greatest prejudice the poor suffer is lack of spiritual care. The Pope stressed that hunger, injustice, illness, loneliness, unemployment, and lack of adequate housing demand response, and that Christian charity is fully dedicated to addressing all these issues. He concluded that troubled people must receive from the church its greatest gift: Jesus Christ.