Pope to Brazilian bishops: encourage vocations to consecrated life!

Pope Benedict XVI received a group of bishops from Brazil, who are here in Rome for their ad limina visits. Receiving the bishops on Friday morning in the Consistory Hall of the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI discussed the importance of having a proper understanding of the relationship between the local Church and the Church universal.

He also discussed the importance of consecrated persons, especially those in religious life, for the Church’s universal mission. “The consecrated life,” said Pope Benedict, "is a good for the whole Church," wherever it is realized, and should be encouraged.

The Pope went on to emphasize the importance of solid formation in the religious life, and invited the bishops to bring his greetings to all the communities living within their respective areas of pastoral responsibility. Listen to Philippa Hitchen's report: