Pope tells seminarians to promote “belonging”

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis met on Saturday with seminarians of the Pontifical Pius XI seminary of the Puglia region, along with a group of local bishops.

Listen to Ann Schneible‘s report of the Holy Father's prepared remarks:

Pope Francis centred his address to the seminarians on the theme of “belonging”.

“Only if we feel ourselves to be a part of Christ, the Church, and the Kingdom, will we journey well through the Seminary Years,” the Holy Father said.

In this context, he warned against “narcissism”, and reminded the seminarians that their “vocational journey” will only be possible by if they remain vigilant against this temptation.

The Pope also spoke about the seminary as being a place to learn how to build relationships with others, as this skill will be necessary when they become priests.

Finally, “belonging” is understood in the context of “its opposite, which is exclusion,” the Holy Father said.

He reminded the seminarians of their call to bring Christ to everyone they meet so that they feel part of the community, beginning with those in the seminary who might be excluded or marginalized.

Pope Francis concluded by telling the those present that belonging is a responsibility, and to be attentive to the quality of the formative journey of the seminary.