Priestly role must mirror sanctity of Christ, pope says

Published: 2005-06-27

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Priests must remember to always mirror the humble, personal sanctity of Christ and not assume a political or other secular role in society, said Pope Benedict XVI. Bishops must help priests uphold their "unique identity" and ensure that it "never be likened to any secular title or confused with civic or political office," the pope said in a speech to bishops from the South Pacific nations of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. The pope's June 25 address came at the end of the bishops' "ad limina" visits to the Vatican, required of heads of dioceses every five years. Pope Benedict reminded the bishops that concern for their priests' well-being was of "the utmost importance."

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