Vatican Information Service reports on the words of Pope Francis to nuncios regarding episcopal appointments:
The Holy Father wanted to conclude his address by highlighting one of the principal and most delicate tasks of the representatives, to look for episcopal appointments: “be attentive,” he told them, “that the candidates are Pastors who are close to the people, fathers and brothers; that they are gentle, patient, and merciful; that they love poverty, interior poverty as freedom for the Lord and exterior poverty as simplicity and austerity of life; that they don’t have a ‘principles’ psychology. Be attentive that they aren’t ambitious, that they don’t seek the episcopate—’volentes nolumus’—and that they are spouses of a Church without constantly seeking another. That they are capable of ‘keeping an eye on’ the flock that will be entrusted to them, that is, of caring for everything that keeps it united; of being ‘vigilant’ over it; of being attentive to dangers that threaten it; but above all that they are capable of ‘keeping an eye over’ the flock; of keeping watch; of tending hope, that there is sun and light in their hearts; of sustaining with love and patience the plans that God has for his people.”
It’s a wonderful vision of pastoral leadership – not just for bishops, but for anyone in ministry.
What do you suppose he means by this “principles’ psychology that bishops should not have?
awr
