Pope Leo XIV wrote to Nunzia, a 50-year-old Swiss catechist discouraged by dwindling parish participation, assuring her that authentic belonging to Christ’s Body matters more than attendance numbers. In the January 2026 edition of Piazza San Pietro magazine, he critiqued treating the Church merely as a sacrament provider and emphasized that catechesis hours are never wasted, even with few participants. He grounded his message in John 15:15, calling believers to friendship with God rather than servitude, and urged witnessing to the Gospel’s joy despite declining numbers in countries with ancient Christian traditions.
In response to a Swiss catechist‘s discouragement over dwindling parish participation, Pope Leo XIV has emphasized that authentic belonging to the Church matters more than attendance numbers. Writing in the January 2026 edition of Piazza San Pietro magazine, the Pope addressed a letter from Nunzia, a 50-year-old catechist who described increasing difficulty reaching families and children in her parish. She had requested prayers for the youth in her care and for her own growing discouragement.
The Pope acknowledged that Nunzia’s struggle reflects a broader pattern in countries with ancient Christian traditions. Rather than focusing on attendance figures, he stressed that the real problem lies in people’s lack of awareness that they are living members of Christ’s Body. Too many approach the Church as mere users of sacraments out of habit, he noted, instead of recognizing themselves as members who possess unique gifts and roles within a communal body.
Pope Leo XIV assured Nunzia that hours dedicated to catechesis are never wasted, even with few participants. He invited her to look beyond numerical measures and instead foster deeper ecclesial awareness among those she serves. The sense of belonging to Christ’s Body, he explained, means seeking truth, goodness, and genuine communion rather than settling for superficial relationships. The Pope reminded her that the Heart of Christ serves as the true door of faith, always wide open to those who seek conversion. The Pope called on her to witness to the joy of Christ’s Gospel, rebirth, and resurrection.
The response appeared in a magazine edition themed on peace and was covered by Vatican News and multiple Catholic outlets including UCA News, Licas News, and Zenit. The Pope’s message echoed themes from his broader teachings on divine friendship, drawing on John 15:15 where Jesus transforms the relationship with God from servitude to friendship. He referenced Dei Verbum’s emphasis on God speaking to humans as friends within the new covenant, a condition grounded in love through grace.
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