During a Vatican address to members of Regnum Christi’s Societies of Apostolic Life, Pope Leo XIV urged consecrated men and women to deepen their sense of identity, embrace authentic communion, and approach governance with evangelical creativity, according to Vatican News.
Speaking on January 29 to participants in the General Assembly of the Societies of Apostolic Life, the Pope reflected on the relationship between charism, authority, and unity within the Church. He emphasized that clarity of identity is essential for meaningful engagement with the modern world.
“Today more than ever, it is necessary to know who we are if we want to engage in authentic dialogue with society without being absorbed or homogenized,” the Pope said, according to Vatican News.
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Regnum Christi brings together several distinct vocations, including the Legionaries of Christ, consecrated women, and lay consecrated men. Addressing this diversity, Pope Leo highlighted the importance of clearly understanding and living out the unique charism entrusted to each vocation by the Holy Spirit. That charism, he noted, gives apostolic communities both vitality and a recognizable presence within the Church and society.
According to Vatican News, the Pope explained that evangelization depends upon this clarity of identity, saying it is essential for members to define who they are with increasing depth in order to fulfill the mission God has entrusted to them. He added that each person who receives a charism is responsible for allowing it to become a living force that shapes their mission and inspires future generations.
Turning to the exercise of authority, Pope Leo described governance as a service rather than a position of power. He said it is meant to accompany members toward a faithful and responsible following of Christ. According to Vatican News, he encouraged apostolic societies to discern forms of governance that align with their specific spirituality and charism.
The Pope explicitly invited leaders not to fear innovation in this area. “Not be afraid to experiment with new models of government,” he urged, explaining that shared discernment in leadership can strengthen unity, participation, and commitment to the common mission, according to Vatican News.
Pope Leo also stressed the central role of communion within the broader Regnum Christi family. He emphasized that unity and diversity are not in opposition but are complementary realities within the Church.
“Unity in baptismal dignity and diversity of vocations are not opposed to each other, but rather illuminate each other,” the Pope said, according to Vatican News. He added that true communion is the work of the Holy Spirit, who transforms every vocation into service for others so that the Body of Christ may grow and fulfill its mission throughout history.
In his concluding remarks, Pope Leo reflected on God’s ongoing action in the world, reminding those present that the Lord continues to surprise His people and remains faithful even when He acts in unexpected ways. According to Vatican News, the Pope said God continues to inspire humanity through prophets of every age, drawing all people into His works of mercy and justice.
The address served as both encouragement and challenge, calling apostolic communities to remain rooted in their identity while responding faithfully and creatively to the needs of the Church and the world today.
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