Pope Leo XIV reaffirmed priestly celibacy and issued a stern warning to bishops Wednesday: Act decisively on abuse or risk scandal and division.
“[Bishops] must be firm and decisive in dealing with situations that can cause scandal and with every case of abuse, especially involving minors, and fully respect the legislation currently in force,” he said in St. Peter’s Basilica, addressing 400 bishops and cardinals from 38 countries, The Associated Press reported.
Wednesday’s address came after the pope told a Peruvian journalist Friday that “there should be no tolerance in the Catholic Church for any type of abuse,” calling for “transparent processes” to prevent sexual, spiritual and institutional harm.
“In his personal life, he must be detached from the pursuit of wealth and from forms of favoritism based on money or power,” Leo said, urging bishops to embrace simplicity and act as both shepherd and servant.
The pope said bishops must remain celibate “and present to all the authentic image of the church, holy and chaste in her members as in her head.”
