On the morning of Saturday, May 2, 2026, the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome hosted a landmark celebration for the Church. Pope Leo XIV presided over the ordination of four new auxiliary bishops for the Diocese of Rome: Bishops Stefano Sparapani, Alessandro Zenobbi, Andrea Carlevale, and Marco Valenti. In his homily, the Holy Father emphasized that the episcopacy is not an honor but a service, echoing the words of Jesus: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45, NIV).
The ceremony, rich in symbolism and prayer, began with the singing of the Veni, Creator Spiritus, invoking the Holy Spirit upon the chosen. After the presentation of the candidates, the Pope delivered a profound homily, reminding that the Church of Rome has a special vocation to universality and charity, through its unique bond with the risen Christ.
The Call to Prophecy and Service
In his words, Pope Leo XIV urged the new bishops to be prophets in their ministry. “You will be prophets if you are men of peace and unity, weaving with the threads of grace and mercy the vast and populous spaces of this Diocese, harmonizing differences, welcoming, listening, and forgiving,” the Pontiff said. He warned against the temptation to seek the first places or settle for privileges, reminding that authority in the Church is, above all, humble service.
The biblical reference to the prophet Jeremiah was clear: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5, NIV). The Pope highlighted that bishops are called to proclaim the truth of the Gospel, even when it requires courage and renunciation.
The Church as the Body of Christ
The homily also reflected on the nature of the Church as a spiritual building of living stones, founded on Christ. The Pope quoted the First Letter of Peter: “you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5, NIV). The new bishops were reminded that their mission is to strengthen this building, uniting the faithful around the Gospel.
In a gesture of unity, the four new bishops received the laying on of hands and the prayer of consecration, followed by anointing with chrism oil and the presentation of the Book of the Gospels, the mitre, and the pastoral staff. Each symbol recalls the responsibility to shepherd God’s flock with love and fidelity.
Challenges of Episcopal Ministry Today
The current context of the Church, marked by challenges such as secularization, internal divisions, and the need for renewed evangelization, makes episcopal ministry even more demanding. Pope Leo XIV, elected in May 2025 after the death of Pope Francis on April 21 of the same year, has emphasized the importance of a missionary Church open to dialogue. The ordination of these auxiliary bishops in Rome, the Pope’s own diocese, reinforces the commitment to servant leadership.
“Do not forget that power in the Church is service. Be shepherds who smell like the sheep, as Pope Francis used to say,” the Pontiff added, echoing his predecessor. He also encouraged the new bishops to cultivate prayer and listening to the Word, because “apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
A Call for All Christians
Episcopal ordination is not only an event for the Catholic Church but an inspiration for all Christians. The example of men who leave everything to serve reminds every believer that discipleship requires humility and surrender. In Philippians 2:3-4, we read: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
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