Pope Leo to newly ordained priests: ‘You are a channel, not a filter’

Pope Leo XIV ordained 10 men on April 26, offering them a vision of the priesthood that emphasizes their role as servants of communion and witnesses to Christ in a divided world.

The ordination Mass, held at St. Peter’s Basilica, coincided with Good Shepherd Sunday and World Day of Prayer for Vocations.

Addressing the ordinands directly during his homily, the Pope emphasized that priestly identity flows from deep union with Christ and openness to others: “The deeper your bond with Christ, the more radical your belonging to all of humanity,” he said. 

He warned against fear and withdrawal, insisting, “We must not be frightened by reality. It is the Lord of life who calls us.”

The Pontiff also spoke on the unique kind of love a priest is called to in his vocation.

“Certainly, like the love of spouses, the love that inspires celibacy for the Kingdom of God must also be guarded and constantly renewed, for every true affection matures and becomes fruitful over time,” he said. “You are called to a specific, delicate and difficult way of loving and, even more so, of allowing yourselves to be loved in freedom. This will make you not only good priests but also honest, helpful citizens, builders of peace and social friendship.”

Openness and accessibility were key themes of the Pope’s message. 

“Today more than ever, especially when statistics seem to indicate a divide between people and the Church, keep the door open! Let people in, and be prepared to go out. This is another secret for your life: you are a channel, not a filter,” he told the new priests. 

He noted that many outside the church believe they already know “what lies beyond the threshold." 

“They carry memories with them, perhaps from a distant past,” he continued. “Often, there is something within them that is alive and has not died out; this draws them in. Other times, however, there is something else within them that still bleeds and repels them. The Lord knows, and he waits. Be a reflection of his patience and tenderness.” 

He also highlighted the priest’s role in healing division: “Facilitating encounters, helping to bring together those who would otherwise never meet, and conciliating division is one and the same as celebrating the Eucharist and Reconciliation,” he said. “Coming together always means planting the Church anew.”

He concluded by reflecting on Psalm 23 and the role of the priesthood: “He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake” (Ps 23:2–3).

“Dear brothers, go out and discover culture, people and life! Marvel at the things that God makes grow without our having sown them. The people you will serve as priests — lay faithful and families, young and old, children and the sick — inhabit pastures that you must come to know. At times it will seem to you that you lack the necessary maps. But the Good Shepherd has them; listen to his very familiar voice."