At the Chrism Mass, which marks the beginning of the Easter Triduum, Pope Francis urged priests to “leave clericalism” and stop seeking “consensus at all costs.” In a homily prepared for the occasion and read by Italian Cardinal Domenico Calcagno, the Pope emphasized that a pastor who loves his people does not live in search of approval and consensus at all costs. The Chrism Mass, celebrated in St. Peter’s Basilica, brought together nearly 4,300 people, including over 1,800 priests who symbolically renewed their vows before their bishop, Pope Francis.
Pope Francis described the priestly ministry as “a silent, but radical and gratuitous dedication.” He noted that the People of God want to participate and, by virtue of Baptism, are a great priestly people. The Pope emphasized that the kingdom of priests does not refer only to the clergy, but to a people whose boundaries cannot be seen, where walls and customs offices fall. He encouraged priests to read the ministerial priesthood as pure service to the priestly people.
The Pope also asked priests not to give in to discouragement, because “God never fails.” He emphasized that God frees others through the priests, and that the joy of the Kingdom rewards every effort. The Chrism Mass includes the blessing of the holy oils, which will be used throughout the year to administer the sacraments of confirmation, anointing of the sick, and priestly ordination.