Discourse of the Holy Father to the Recently Appointed Bishops

(September 11, 2010) Pope Benedict XVI on Saturday told a group of newly appointed Bishops that their priesthood comes from Jesus the eternal High priest and the Church has placed great hope in them and is supporting them with prayer and affection. The Pope was speaking to 110 Bishops at his Summer Residence of Castel Gandolfo, about 25 Kilometres from Rome. These Bishops are participating in a Refresher Course organised by the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. The Pontiff spoke to them of the challenges they continue to face, especially the Christian communities who live in constant challenge to their faith, in addition to various forms of poverty, and constant recurring persecutions because of the Christian faith. He appreciated the work of the Bishops in strengthening the hope of Christians, sharing their difficulties, while drawing on the charity of Christ to show tenderness, compassion, hospitality, availability and interest in people's problems, for which they have been willing to spend their life. Referring to the words of Pope John Paul II, the Pontiff said that they must imitate Christ the servant, who emptied himself and became poor and humble, and in this way make their pastoral ministry reflect Jesus Christ. Further, referring to the words of Pope Paul VI, the Pontiff said that their witness of life and Christ like living is an essential condition for their effective preaching. The Holy Father called on them not to give in “to pessimism and despair, because the Holy Spirit guides the Church and gives with its mighty breath, the courage to persevere and at the same time to seek new methods of evangelization, reaching areas hitherto unexplored.” The Pope told the Bishops that through the power of the Holy Spirit they have the wisdom and strength to make the Church a witness of salvation and peace