Above: Pope Leo XIV blesses a baby during his general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican March 25, 2026. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)
VATICAN CITY — In his General Audience in St. Peter’s Square March 25, 2026, Pope Leo XIV continued his catechesis on Lumen gentium, offering a rich reflection on the divine origin and purpose of the Church’s hierarchical structure.
The Holy Father opened by welcoming pilgrims and situating the teaching within his ongoing exploration of Vatican II’s ecclesiology. He reminded the faithful that “the Catholic Church is founded on the Apostles,” whom Christ appointed as the enduring pillars of His Body.
The apostolic foundation
Expanding on this theme, the pope recalled that the Apostles were chosen as “authoritative witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus” and sent into the world to preach the Gospel. Through them, he explained, Christ established a sacred order that continues in the life of the Church today. Apostolic succession ensures that “ministers… continue to sanctify, guide and instruct the Church” until the Lord’s return.
Hierarchy as service, not status
Pope Leo XIV stressed that the hierarchical structure is not an administrative invention but a divine gift meant for the good of all. He cited Lumen gentium’s reminder that the ministry of shepherds is a “true service” — a diakonia grounded in Christ’s own pastoral charity.
The pope added that bishops carry out their tasks so that believers “may arrive at salvation,” highlighting the pastoral purpose behind ecclesial authority.
He also emphasized the unity among the different degrees of Holy Orders, quoting the Council’s teaching that the ministerial and common priesthoods are “interrelated… each a participation in the one priesthood of Christ.”
A structure born of Christ’s love
Reflecting on a teaching of Saint Paul VI, the Holy Father described the hierarchy as “born of the charity of Christ,” established to safeguard and transmit the gifts Christ entrusted to his Church.
He reiterated that the hierarchy’s purpose is not control but mission, ensuring “the intact and fruitful transmission of the wealth of faith” across generations.
A call for holy and courageous ministers
As the Church continues its Lenten journey, Pope Leo XIV encouraged the faithful to pray for clergy who embody Christ’s love: “Let us pray… that He may send… ministers ardent with evangelical charity.” He also asked that these ministers be “courageous missionaries in every part of the world.”