Pope Leo XIV says missionaries \u2018become a presence everywhere of the whole Church\u2019 In an audience with members of the diplomatic service at the papal missions, Pope Leo XIV emphasized that they have been chosen to \u201cbecome a presence everywhere of the whole Church and, in particular, of the pastoral solicitude of the pope, who presides over it in charity.\u201d Within the context of the Jubilee of Hope, the Holy Father recalled that the holy year is \u201ca providential opportunity to rediscover and deepen the beauty of our vocation, that is, our common call to holiness, which commits us each day to be witnesses of Christ, the living hope for the world.\u201d Reflecting on the missionaries\u2019 service of \u201ccarrying the redeeming word of the Gospel to the ends of the earth,\u201d the pope pointed out that the great missionaries remind us that inculturation is not a superficial matter, \u201cbecause it springs from the desire to dedicate oneself to the land and the people we serve.\u201d \u201cYour unique service is arduous and therefore requires a heart burning for God and open to all people; it demands study and skill, self-denial and courage; it grows in trust in Jesus and in docility to the Church, which is expressed through obedience to superiors,\u201d he said. Given the diversity of cultures and places where the papal representatives work, the pope invited them to bear witness \u201cas priests in love with Christ and dedicated to building up his body.\u201d He also encouraged them to be \u201ca reflection of the affection and closeness that the pope has\u201d for every ecclesial community. In particular, he focused his attention on those living in contexts of hardship, conflict, and poverty, where moments of discouragement are common: \u201cPrecisely in these efforts, remember that the Church sustains you in prayer: Therefore, strengthen your priestly identity by drawing strength from the sacraments, from fraternal communion, and from constant docility to the Holy Spirit,\u201d he counseled them. He encouraged them to be mindful of their daily actions and to avoid isolation. \u201cThe great missionaries remind us, in fact, that inculturation is not a folkloric [superficial] attitude, because it is born from the desire to dedicate oneself to the land and the people we serve,\u201d he explained. He also urged them to \u201cconfirm\u201d their motivation by listening to the Holy Spirit and to nurture prayer: \u201cMay the light of the tabernacle dispel shadows and anxieties, illuminating the path you are traveling.\u201d \u201cHolding fast to this miracle of grace, be pilgrims of hope precisely where people lack justice and peace,\u201d he added. This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA\u2019s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today EWTN Vatican on WhatsApp Almudena Mart\u00ednez-Bordi\u00fa Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter. More news related to this article Pope Leo XIV urges Eastern Catholics not to abandon war-torn lands Carlo Acutis and the four popes Mother of Israeli hostage thanks Pope Francis for his efforts to free captives in Gaza Vaticano Update: Pope Francis to Write a Papal Document on Children Pope Francis invites Indonesia\u2019s Catholics to share \u2018joy of encountering Christ\u2019 Pope Francis Encourages Blind Young People To Be Pilgrims Of Hope<\/p>\n