Christian formation cannot be reduced to instruction alone, but must grow from patient accompaniment, communal witness, and a serious commitment to safeguarding human dignity, Pope Leo XIV said during a Vatican gathering focused on the formation of the laity.
Speaking on February 6 to participants in the plenary assembly of the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life, Pope Leo XIV emphasized that formation within the Church must protect human life at every stage, with particular attention to preventing abuse and supporting victims. According to Vatican News, the Pope stressed that communities must foster “formative aspects aimed at respecting human life in all its phases, in particular those that help prevent all forms of abuse of minors and of vulnerable people, as well as accompanying and supporting victims.”
The assembly, held in Rome from February 4–6, reflected on the theme “Until Christ is formed in you” (Gal 4:19), focusing on how the Church accompanies lay men and women in living out the Christian life. Addressing those responsible for formation, the Pope underlined that faith is not generated by individuals acting alone, but by the Church as a living community.
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“Just as human life is transmitted through the love of a man and a woman, so Christian life is conveyed through the love of a community,” Pope Leo said, according to Vatican News. He added that faith is not produced solely by priests, catechists, or charismatic leaders, but by the Church as a whole—families, young people, single adults, and consecrated persons—united by charity and a desire to pass on the joy they have received.
Drawing on the image of parents handing on life to their children, the Pope warned against approaches to formation that focus only on skills, information, or discipline. He noted that transmitting doctrine and moral teaching is not sufficient on its own. Instead, formators are called to give something of themselves.
According to the Pope, authentic formation requires “sharing what we live, with generosity, sincere love for souls, willingness to suffer for others, and unreserved dedication,” mirroring the sacrificial love of parents for their children.
Pope Leo pointed to St. Paul’s words to the Galatians—“until Christ is formed in you”—as a model for this deeply personal and relational approach to forming believers. He also encouraged formators to help people integrate faith into every area of life, including work, relationships, and daily conduct, so that Christian discipleship shapes both private and public choices.
Acknowledging the difficulty of this task, the Pope cautioned that formation “is not easy and cannot be improvised.” According to Vatican News, he said it requires “patience, listening, accompanying, and verification,” rooted in the experience of those who have lived the faith faithfully over time.
To illustrate this point, Pope Leo referenced saints known for their work in formation and accompaniment, including St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Philip Neri, St. Augustine, and others whose lives continue to guide the Church today.
Despite the challenges facing the Church, the Pope urged those engaged in formation not to lose heart. He encouraged them to begin humbly, trusting in God’s providence and the quiet power of the Gospel.
“Start small, following in faith the Gospel logic of the ‘mustard seed,’” Pope Leo said, expressing confidence that God will provide the grace, people, and strength needed at the right time. He concluded by inviting those present to entrust their work to the Blessed Virgin Mary and to imitate her faith and trust in God’s plan.
According to Vatican News, the Pope’s message offered both a warning and a hope: that Christian formation must always protect the vulnerable, but also remain rooted in love, patience, and confidence that Christ continues to be formed in His people through the life of the Church.
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