During the Holy Thursday Chrism Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis issued a heartfelt call to priests, urging them to see the upcoming Jubilee Year as a time for personal and spiritual renewal. His homily, read by Cardinal Domenico Calcagno on his behalf, emphasized the deep connection between the priesthood and the grace of God’s ongoing work in each vocation.
“For us priests,” the Pope wrote, “the Jubilee year thus represents a specific summons to a new beginning on our path of conversion.”
He invited priests to reflect on their calling through the lens of the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ, which he called “the soil that solidly sustains the Church and, within her, our priestly ministry.”
The Holy Father highlighted that each priest has a unique story shaped by the Word of God, and that this Word must remain their “first home.” He encouraged them to continue helping others discover the passages of Scripture that bring them comfort and direction.
Pope Francis also warned against clericalism, calling on priests to be “heralds of hope” rather than seekers of approval. “The shepherd who loves his people,” he said, “does not seek consensus and approval at any cost… The fidelity of love changes hearts.”
In a striking reminder of God’s enduring presence, the Pope echoed Christ’s words: “See, I am making all things new.” He urged priests to trust in God’s work within them and to believe in their calling: “God did not make a mistake with me! God never makes mistakes.”
As the sacred oils were blessed and consecrated for use in the sacraments, Pope Francis concluded his message with a prayerful invitation to all the faithful: “Pray today for the joy of priests.”
