Last Saturday, the Papal Basilica of St. John Lateran, the cathedral of Rome, was the setting for a moving ceremony. Pope Leo XIV consecrated four new auxiliary bishops for the Diocese of Rome, of which he himself is bishop. The faithful gathered to witness this special moment, as the Holy Spirit was invoked upon the chosen ones.
The new auxiliary bishops are Msgr. Andrea Carleval, Msgr. Stefano Sparapani, Msgr. Marco Valenti, and Msgr. Alessandro Zenobbi. They were appointed by the Pope on February 25 and now join the governing team of the Diocese of Rome, alongside Cardinal Baldassare Reina, the Pope's vicar for Rome, and other auxiliary bishops.
Episcopal ordination is not merely an administrative act; it is a celebration for the whole people of God. As the Pope said in his homily: "This ordination is a celebration of the people, because they come from this people and from the presbyterate that lovingly cares for them." The diocesan community gathered to pray and celebrate, recognizing that these new shepherds are a gift to the Church.
The Pope's Homily: No One Is Rejected by God
In his message, Pope Leo XIV reminded that the Diocese of Rome has a "singular vocation to universality and charity." But the heart of his homily was a prophetic call: no one should consider themselves rejected by God. Inspired by Scripture, the Pope reflected on Jesus as "the stone the builders rejected [that] has become the cornerstone" (Psalm 118:22, NIV).
"Jesus went in search of the rejected sheep, sat at table with them, disarmed the hands and hearts that wanted to stone them," the Pontiff said. "By reversing the logic of domination—that of those who pursue the senseless ambition to determine the architecture of the earth—it is in Christ that the discarded recover their dignity and feel chosen for the Kingdom of God."
The Pope continued, explaining that Christians become "stones rejected by men and chosen by God" when they oppose projects that crush the weak, do not respect the dignity of every person, and consider those who fail as the garbage of history. "Jesus walked among us as a disarmed and disarming prophet, and when he was rejected he did not change his attitude," he emphasized.
A Call to Inclusion and Mercy
The Pope's homily resonated powerfully in a world where many people feel excluded, marginalized, or discarded. The Church, following Jesus' example, is called to be a place of welcome and mercy. The new auxiliary bishops have the task of shepherding the people of Rome with that same spirit, ensuring that no one is left out.
The Pope also stressed that episcopal ordination is not a personal honor, but a service. "You are anointed to serve, not to be served," he reminded them. Episcopal service means being close to the people, especially the most needy, and being witnesses of the hope that comes from Christ.
The Context of the Diocese of Rome
The Diocese of Rome is unique in the world, not only because it is the seat of the Pope, but because of its universal character. People of all nationalities and cultures live together there, making it a microcosm of the universal Church. The new auxiliary bishops will help meet the pastoral needs of this diverse community.
Cardinal Baldassare Reina, the Pope's vicar for Rome, works closely with these bishops to coordinate pastoral action in different areas of the diocese. The addition of four new auxiliaries will allow for closer attention to parishes and communities, especially in the more peripheral areas.
Biblical Reflection: The Cornerstone
The image of the "cornerstone" is central to the homily.
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