Pope launches pastoral evaluation process

Pope Leo XIV opened the Diocese of Rome's new pastoral year by calling for a shared evaluation of activities rather than launching new initiatives. The process involves listening, discerning and assessing what has worked and what hasn't.

“Why do some initiatives generate paths and others remain isolated?”

Mary Magdalene's questions guide the Church

Pope Leo used Jesus' Easter morning questions to Mary Magdalene as a model for the Church. Instead of asking what to do, the Church should ask whom to encounter and how to meet people authentically.

“Why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?”

Three priorities for pastoral life

The Diocese should focus on meeting Christ and helping others find him, generating welcoming communities, and serving Rome's needs. All activities must be assessed by whether they lead people to Christ and address the city's real concerns.

“The Church does not exist for herself, but to lead every person to an encounter with the Lord.”

Do less and do it better

Pope Leo told priests and pastoral workers that evaluation should not add burden but give permission to reduce activities. The focus should shift from doing everything to enabling others' gifts and fostering genuine priestly fraternity.

“The art of pastoral evaluation does not ask you to do more; rather, it gives the Church permission to do less and do it better.”

Don Luigi Di Liegro's path to sainthood

Pope Leo announced the opening of a diocesan inquiry into Don Luigi Di Liegro, the beloved Roman priest who founded Diocesan Caritas and served the poor and marginalised. His example of seeing and listening embodies the Church's new pastoral direction.

Journey toward the Jubilee of 2033

Pope Leo expressed hope that the pastoral evaluation process will lead to renewed experiences and a common path toward the Jubilee of the Redemption in 2033. The Diocese is entrusted to Mary for guidance on this journey.