All articles tagged with #priesthood
Pope Leo XIV reaffirmed that the priesthood is reserved for men, grounded in apostolic succession and the sacrament of holy orders, presenting it as a divine, service-based role within the Church (diakonia). He urged prayers for priestly vocations and highlighted a Polish life-affirming initiative, including the spiritual adoption of unborn children.
Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of transparency, credibility, and living a life rooted in Christ for priests during a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, urging them to serve with humility and model their lives after Jesus to strengthen the Church's mission and witness.
Pope Francis reportedly used a highly offensive slur for gay people during a private meeting at the Italian Bishops’ Conference, sparking shock and controversy. Despite his previous public statements of respect towards gay individuals, he firmly opposed allowing celibate gay men to train for the priesthood and allegedly suggested expelling gay people from seminaries. The Vatican has not yet commented on the incident.
Edoardo Santini, an Italian model who was once crowned the "most beautiful man," has decided to give up his dreams of fame and fortune to pursue a career in the priesthood. At 21 years old, Santini announced his decision in a video, stating that he would be offering his passions to God. He has entered a seminary and begun his studies. Santini, who had previously questioned his faith, now feels that he has found his life's purpose. Despite facing criticism, he is determined to explore this new path and is ready to embrace the journey of self-discovery.
Edoardo Santini, once voted the most attractive man in Italy, has left his entertainment career behind to pursue a path in the priesthood. The 21-year-old announced his decision on social media, stating that he will give up modeling, acting, and dance to live his passions in a different context, offering them up to God. Santini expressed gratitude for the people who inspired him along the way and shared that living with two priests last year was the most beautiful experience of his life. Despite some naysayers, he is determined to follow his heart and embrace his new vocation.
Pope Francis celebrated Holy Thursday by presiding over a chrism Mass with over 1,880 priests, bishops, and cardinals in St. Peter's Basilica. During the Mass, the pope highlighted the vital presence of the Holy Spirit in the ministry and life of every priest. He also blessed the oil of the sick, the oil of catechumens, and the chrism oil, which will be used in the diocese during the coming year. The pope gifted a book to the priests at the Mass by René Voillaume called “La Segunda Llamada” (The Second Call) and urged the clerics to leave the initiative to the Holy Spirit and show their willingness to serve wherever and however they are asked.
During Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday, Pope Francis urged priests to invoke the Holy Spirit as "the breath of each day," which gives them joy and points them in the right direction, toward Christ. He thanked priests for their service, which often goes unrecognized, and reflected on the Holy Spirit as the giver of life. The Pope warned against the dangers of compromise, surrogates, and discouragement, and urged priests to preserve their anointing by allowing the Spirit to act within them. He also stressed the importance of harmony and gratitude in the priesthood.