In document, pope says bishops are called to be fathers to people

Published: 2003-10-16

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- A bishop is called to be a father to the people of his diocese, and the people are expected to love their bishops, Pope John Paul II said. The pope's Oct. 16 apostolic exhortation on the mission and identity of the bishop is filled with references to parenthood -- as a spiritual attitude and as a reality that bishops must help strengthen. The document, "Pastores Gregis" ("Shepherds of the Flock"), is Pope John Paul's response to suggestions made by participants at the 2001 Synod of Bishops. The bishop has a "duty to lead the holy people of God as a devoted father," the pope wrote, and "the faithful are to love their bishops." He also wrote, "For this reason, in accordance with a custom widespread in certain cultures, one kisses the bishop's hand as one would kiss the hand of the loving Father, the giver of life."

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