TARLAKENYO (Sept. 12, 2025) — Pope Leo XIV met with bishops ordained over the past year, including Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle and six Filipino bishops, as they concluded a Vatican-sponsored formation course in Rome on Thursday, September 11.
In his address, the Holy Father reminded the bishops that their ministry is not for themselves but for service to the Gospel. “The gift you have received is not for yourselves, but to serve the cause of the Gospel,” he said, stressing that service is rooted in humility, inner freedom, and love.
Quoting St. Augustine, Pope Leo emphasized that bishops, though leaders, must always remain “servants of many.” He urged them to embody Christ’s closeness to His flock, drawing near to their people as fathers, brothers, and shepherds attentive to their joys, questions, and struggles.
The Pope also highlighted today’s challenges, from the crisis of faith to social and cultural issues such as war, violence, and poverty. He called on bishops to respond with courage, compassion, and renewed zeal in proclaiming the Gospel.
Pope Leo concluded with a prayer that the bishops may always be guided by the Spirit and that the joy of their ordination may spread among the faithful they are called to serve.
To recall, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle was appointed Titular Bishop of Albano on May 24. As a Titular Bishop, he holds the title of an ancient diocese and serves in a role that supports the Church, often assisting in pastoral, administrative, or Vatican duties.
