VATICAN/REGINA CAELI - Pope Leo: Jesus guides the Church, the Church needs spiritual vocations

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - "I consider it a gift from God that the first Sunday of my service as Bishop of Rome is Good Shepherd Sunday". With these words of gratitude Pope Leo XIV began his brief address during his first Marian prayer of the Regina Caeli, in St. Peter's Square from the central loggia of the Vatican Basilica. A festive atmosphere prevailed, with the presence of numerous bands in the square, who had come to Rome to celebrate their Jubilee. The Pope thanked the pilgrims who participated in the Jubilee of Bands and Popular Entertainment: "I greet all these pilgrims with affection and thank them because, with their music and performances, they enliven the feast of Christ the Good Shepherd: the One who guides the Church with his Holy Spirit." His considerations before the Regina Caeli prayer were dedicated to the figure of Christ, the Good Shepherd, and to prayer for vocations at the service of the Church.

"On the fourth Sunday of Easter," Pope Leo said, "we always hear proclaimed at Mass a passage from the tenth chapter from the Gospel of John, where Jesus reveals himself as the true Shepherd: who knows and loves his sheep and gives his life for them." This Sunday marks the 62nd year of World Day of Prayer for Vocations. "In the Gospel, Jesus says," added the Bishop of Rome, "that he knows his sheep and that they listen to his voice and follow him. Indeed, as Pope Saint Gregory the Great teaches, people “respond to the love of those who love them”. Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, I have the joy of praying with you and all the People of God for vocations, especially those to the priesthood and consecrated life. The Church has such a great need for them! It is important that young men and women on their vocational journey find acceptance, listening and encouragement in their communities, and that they can look up to credible models of generous dedication to God and to their brothers and sisters." In this context, Pope Leo called for the Church to "take up the invitation that Pope Francis left us in his Message for today: the invitation to welcome and accompany young people". And to the young people he added: "Do not be afraid! Accept the invitation of the Church and of Christ the Lord." (GV) (Agenzia Fides, 11/5/2025)

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