Pope Leo XIV reiterated the importance of celibacy for priests and urged bishops to take strong action against sexual abusers during a meeting in St. Peter's Basilica with 400 clergy members. He emphasized the need for unity and a fatherly presence among bishops towards their clergy and congregations. Moreover, he called for simplicity in their lives, detachment from wealth, and adherence to laws regarding abuse, stressing that they should promote the church's image as holy and chaste amidst ongoing scandals.
Bishops must remain celibate "and present to all the authentic image of the church, holy and chaste in her members as in her head," he said.
Leo emphasized, bishops must be "firm and decisive in dealing with situations that can cause scandal... especially involving minors, and fully respect the legislation currently in force."
The primary role of bishops is to forge unity in his diocese among clergy and to be close to his flock in word and deed.
In his personal life, he must be detached from the pursuit of wealth and from forms of favoritism based on money or power.
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