Pope Leo’s address to the Apulian Theological Faculty
and the Theological Institute of Calabria
Clementine Hall = Monday, 2 March 2026
In the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Peace be with you!
Dear brothers, elcome!
It is a pleasure to meet you this morning and share some thoughts on the training programs offered by your institutions, the Apulian Theological Faculty and the Calabrian Theological Institute.
Thinking of the two regions from which you come, bathed by the beauty and vastness of the sea, I am reminded of the words that Pope Francis addressed to the community of writers of La Civiltà Cattolica, which can also be useful for you: “Stay on the open sea. Catholics must not be afraid of the open sea.
They must not seek the shelter of safe havens”.
This attitude is much needed, especially in contexts where the faith must be proclaimed and inculturated today.
This journey moves in two directions:
– on the one hand, it is a descend into the depths, scrutinizing the abysses of the mystery of God and the various dimensions of the Christian faith;
– on the other hand, it is a putting out into the deep to go beyond, to scrutinize other horizons and thus find new forms and new languages in which to proclaim the Gospel in the different situations of history.
This is an important point that I would like to reiterate: the purpose of theology is to proclaim the Gospel. Therefore it is an integral and fundamental part of the Church’s mission.
Theological formation is not just for a few specialists.
It is a calling for everyone, so that each person can deepen their mystery of the faith and gain the tools they need to passionately carry forward the “persevering commitment to the cultural and social mediation of the Gospel” (Veritatis Gaudium, Proemio, 3).
From this perspective, I would like to acknowledge the valuable journey towards unity that you have embarked on in your regions, unifying entities, institutes and training programs that previously operated independently
This synergy is truly important: it is a real historical transition in which you are playing a leading role, promoting communion between the dioceses, overcoming ancient parochialism and, above all, encouraging an ecclesial journey under the banner of unity and fraternity.
This journey enables you to develop a shared vision and approach to the pastoral challenges and demands of evangelisation.
Here then is the invitation: to do theology together!
Formation that serves the proclamation of the Gospel is only possible together, sailing “on the open sea” but not as solitary navigators.
And to do so leaving one’s own safe haven, going beyond one’s own territorial and ecclesial boundaries, in encounter and discussion, in mutual listening and dialogue, in that communion between the Churches that connects resources, skills and charisms.
1. Doing theology together broadens and mixes intellectual, spiritual and pastoral horizons, generating common perspectives and an ecclesial commitment that is more firmly rooted in the local area. This offers you the opportunity to renew the ways in which you express your faith in your current context.
2. By doing theology together, you will discover that you are a laboratory that prepares future priests and pastoral workers to live ecclesial relationships in the synodal style, in which the different subjects, ministries and ecclesial charisms complement each other, overcoming all closure.
3. Finally, by doing theology together, you will be better able to welcome the questions and challenges of the social and cultural context.
In fact, the richness of your history and the widespread religiosity of your people do not erase the many social problems, the crisis of work, the phenomenon of emigration and all those forms of oppression, slavery and injustice that call for a new conscience and a bold commitment on the part of all.
Theological training fosters critical and prophetic thinking, representing a cultural investment for the future that can counteract the logic of resignation and indifference.
I encourage you to approach this project with enthusiasm and determination and to resist the temptation to turn back.
I invite you to dream of an academic community in which candidates for the ordained ministry, consecrated men and women, lay men and women are formed together and help Christian communities to become signs of the Gospel and yards of hope.
Dear friends, thank you for your commitment and generous service.
Thank you for your patience and industriousness in building this mosaic of unity and communion.
This enables us to navigate the world of fidelity and creativity, tradition and innovation, unity and diversity, while remaining attentive to the voice of the Lord’s Spirit in the Church today.
May St. Francis of Paola and Mary Most Holy Queen Apuliae watch over you and intercede for you.
Thank you!
