Overview
- The pope insisted that all priests must remain celibate to uphold the church’s authentic image of holiness and chastity.
- He called on bishops to act decisively on every case of sexual abuse, particularly involving minors, and to fully respect existing legislation.
- He emphasized that bishops must foster unity among clergy, live in poverty and simplicity, and serve as a father figure and brother to their priests.
- The directives were delivered during the Holy Year celebrations in St. Peter’s Basilica with about 400 bishops and cardinals from 38 countries in attendance.
- This week’s address followed a written statement to a Peruvian journalist in which Leo demanded zero tolerance for all forms of abuse and transparent prevention processes.