Pope Francis gave a text called the “The Beatitudes of the Bishop” to all the Italian bishops meeting in plenary assembly in Rome in November 2021. It gives wise guidance and encouragement, not only to the 5000 Catholic bishops around the world, but to all who hold leadership roles in the church. It was written by Archbishop Domenico Battaglia of Naples, who first used it at the ordination of three new bishops. It is modeled on the eight beatitudes given by Jesus in the Sermon of the Mount. Pope Francis liked that text, and has made it widely known.
The beatitudes of the bishop refer to the poverty and suffering in the world and the pastor’s loving closeness to the people, as well as the temptations bishops and other religious leaders face.
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