Pope Leo XIV to Vatican Staff: “Faith and Prayer Are Like Salt – They Give Flavour”

Vatican city, 25 May, 2025 - Pope Leo XIV has urged Vatican employees to carry out their work with commitment, faith, and prayer, describing the two spiritual practices as “salt in food: they give it flavour.”

The Holy Father offered this encouragement during his first meeting since his election with staff of the Roman Curia, Holy See, Vatican City State Governorate, and the Vicariate of Rome. Addressing officials and their families on Saturday, he emphasised the importance of their collaboration in the mission of the Church.

“Each one contributes by carrying out their daily tasks with commitment—and also with faith, because faith and prayer are like salt in food: they give it flavour,” he said.

Pope Leo XIV acknowledged the presence of employees’ family members and described the gathering as an opportunity to thank them for their service, which he said he “inherits” from his predecessors. He recalled arriving in Rome just two years ago after being appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops by Pope Francis, leaving behind his pastoral work in Peru.

Reflecting on the continuity of Church service, the Pope observed: “Popes come and go; the Curia remains.” He stressed that the Curia is essential in preserving and transmitting the memory of the Church and guiding its future.

“Memory is an essential element in a living organism,” he said. “Without memory, the path becomes lost, the journey loses its meaning.”

Drawing on his own missionary background as an Augustinian in Peru, Pope Leo highlighted the importance of maintaining a missionary spirit within the Curia and Vatican institutions. He called on staff to help build “a Church that builds bridges, dialogue, always open to welcoming… everyone with open arms.”

He urged employees to be builders of unity through their everyday interactions, especially in the workplace. This includes overcoming misunderstandings with humility and patience, avoiding prejudice, and embracing humour.

Concluding his address, Pope Leo invited everyone to invoke the Virgin Mary’s blessing during the month of May, especially for their families, children, the elderly, and those who are suffering. He led the gathering in a Hail Mary prayer.

Courtesy: Vatican News