Pope: prayer and proclaiming the Word are the bishop’s main tasks

Francis ordained four new bishops: Mgr Michael Czerny, Mgr Paolo Borgia, Mgr Antoine Camilleri, and Mgr Paolo Rudelli. For him, bishops must seek a threefold closeness: “closeness to God through prayer, closeness to presbyters in the presbyterial college, and closeness to the people.”

Vatican City (AsiaNews) – Pope Francis led the ordination service in Saint Peter’s Basilica of four new bishops: Mgr Michael Czerny, Mgr Paolo Borgia, Mgr Antoine Camilleri, Mgr Paolo Rudelli.

In his address, the pontiff said that the bishop has two main tasks: “praying and proclaiming the Word”. All administrative acts come after these two.

Speaking without a prepared text, Francis urged the new bishops to "announce the true Word, the word of God, but not in boring speeches that no one can understand".

For him, bishops must seek a threefold closeness: “closeness to God through prayer, closeness to presbyters in the presbyterial college, and closeness to the people.”

"Be close to the poor, the defenceless and those who need acceptance and help,” he said. “And pay close attention to those who do not belong to Christ’s one sheepfold because they too have been entrusted to you in the Lord.”

"Remember that you are united with the College of Bishops in the Catholic Church, united in the bond of charity. This is the fourth closeness,” added Francis. “You must carry within you the concern of all the Churches, generously helping those who are most in need of help."

• vatican
• pope francis
• episcopal appointments
• michael czerny
• paolo borgia
• antoine camilleri
• paolo rudelli