- 11 November, 2026
CÓRDOBA, ARGENTINA, November 11, 2026: Pope Leo XIV has called on clergy, religious, seminarians and pastoral workers in Argentina to renew their commitment to Christ, remain faithful to their vocation and persevere in their mission, even amid suffering, exhaustion and personal limitations.
Addressing bishops, priests, deacons, religious, seminarians and pastoral workers at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in Córdoba on Tuesday, the third day of his apostolic visit to Argentina, the Pope urged the Church to return to the source of its vocation and deepen its relationship with Christ.
The gathering included a welcome address by Cardinal Ángel Sixto Rossi, who emphasised the importance of a Church attentive to people's needs, particularly those most wounded, and committed to accompanying them in neighbourhoods, prisons and hospitals. Four people involved in the life of the Church also shared their testimonies.
Drawing on the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises, Pope Leo invited those present to reflect on the fundamental question, “Why are we here?” He cautioned that pastoral responsibilities could sometimes take the place of prayer and intimacy with God.
“We work hard for God yet spend less and less time with him,” he observed, calling for renewed attention to the Eucharist, the Word of God and personal prayer.
The Pope also stressed the importance of ongoing conversion, humility and the freedom to respond to God's call, even when it leads in unexpected directions. He encouraged pastoral workers to examine their lives and remain open to the places and people to whom they are sent.
A Church close to the poor
Reflecting on the Church's social mission, Pope Leo acknowledged its commitment to those who suffer, while emphasising that material assistance must be accompanied by spiritual care and the proclamation of Christ.
Recalling the teaching of Pope Francis, he quoted *Evangelii Gaudium*, which states that “the worst discrimination which the poor suffer is the lack of spiritual care.”
He further emphasised that the Church is not simply a humanitarian organisation but is sent to bring Christ to the world.
Perseverance amid suffering and limitations
Addressing the seminarians, Pope Leo encouraged them to learn to see others through God's eyes and allow themselves to be evangelised by the people they encounter.
“Even those who have the least can teach us a great deal,” he said, referring to the testimonies shared during the meeting.
Speaking about the challenges of ministry, including weariness and the absence of visible results, the Pope encouraged those present to remain faithful to their mission.
“Even amid doubts and weariness, one continues to say with one’s life: ‘Here I am,’” he said.
Referring to Saint Héctor Valdivielso Sáez and Saint José Gabriel del Rosario Brochero, he explained that physical limitations and difficult circumstances need not bring an end to service.
Testimonies of faith and service
Responding to the testimonies shared by Laura Sampallo, a consecrated woman, and Fr. Martín Carranza, a priest of the Archdiocese of Córdoba, Pope Leo recalled his own recent hospitalisation and encouraged those present not to lose their missionary zeal.
“Our strength may run out, but God’s power never will,” he said.
He also acknowledged that technology could help the Church continue proclaiming the Gospel.
‘Let us not give up!’
Concluding his address, Pope Leo returned to the Ignatian prayer of offering oneself to God: “Take, Lord, and receive…”
He invited those present to reflect on whether the Lord could still make use of them, encouraging them to remain open to God's call.
“If the answer remains ‘yes,’ then there is much ahead of us. Let us not give up!” he urged.
The Pope also encouraged the Church in Argentina to continue fostering vocations, vibrant parishes, religious communities and seminaries capable of forming people for holiness.
Recalling Pope Francis’ appeal to young people in Rio de Janeiro, he highlighted the vision of a Church that continues to “make noise” through its missionary presence.
Pope Leo entrusted the Church in Argentina to Our Lady of Luján and encouraged those present to return to their communities with renewed hope, freedom and commitment to their mission.
Courtesy: Vatican News
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