Pope Leo XIV inspires global seminarians

Vatican City

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff in history, launched a weeklong celebration of Catholic clergy on Tuesday with an uplifting address to thousands of seminarians gathered in Rome for a special Jubilee Week. The event, part of the Vatican’s 2025 Holy Year, brought energy and enthusiasm to St. Peter’s Basilica as seminarians waved flags, applauded, and chanted “Papa Leone,” creating an atmosphere more akin to a concert than a traditional Church event.

In his address, Pope Leo thanked the young men for their commitment to the Church, praising them for fueling “the flame of hope” with their energy and devotion. He urged them to be joyful, truthful, and courageous, warning against hypocrisy and calling on them to acknowledge their emotions and vulnerabilities as paths to spiritual growth.

“You must give a name and voice to sadness, fear, anxiety, and indignation—bring everything before God,” he said. While his message was notably more encouraging than that of his predecessor, Pope Francis, Leo echoed many of Francis’ concerns, particularly the dangers of clericalism and the importance of accompanying the poor.

The pope’s positive tone may also reflect Vatican concern over declining vocations. According to recent statistics, the number of seminarians globally dropped from 109,895 in 2021 to 108,481 in 2022, with only Africa and Oceania showing increases. Leo will continue engagements with priests and bishops throughout the week, culminating in a Jubilee Mass this weekend. The celebration marks the midpoint of the Vatican’s once-in-25-years Holy Year, drawing millions of pilgrims to Rome.