Pope Francis and the Priority of Prayer

MATEUSZ PUZANOWSKI '26, DIOCESE OF PROVIDENCE

Upon arrival, I observed what can be described as a dreamlike quality about Rome. Initially, it could have been attributed to a combination of exhaustion, the scorching heat of summer, and the overwhelming experience of transitioning to life in a foreign country. That said, as time passed and the dust began to settle, this distinct quality persisted. I continued to encounter a sort of ever-present filter enveloping the city. Alongside its rich history and religious significance, this proved the fittingness of Rome's designation as the Eternal City

Immersion in this unique setting has greatly benefited my prayer and strengthened my faith. Fur- thermore, it is important to note an essential feature of living in the Eternal City—that is, the reality of living in close proximity to the Roman Pontiff. It was in anticipation of our private audience with Pope Francis that I truly recognized the immense privilege of being in this position. For, upon reflection, I became keenly aware that as each generation of priests carries on the legacy of the pontificate under which they were formed, it is an inestimable blessing to have the opportunity to meet the Holy Father and live only a stone's throw away from him while in seminary formation.

In preparation for this special event, I pondered the question of what legacy the current pontificate would leave behind and noticed a recurring theme. It concerned the priority of prayer. Pope Francis has constantly stressed the necessity of prayer, especially in the life of a priest. Since, in his own words, “many crises in the priesthood originate precisely in a poor life of prayer, a lack of intimacy with the Lord, the reduction of the spiritual life to mere religious practice.” And so, it was not surprising that this message found its way into his address to us during our visit.

The Holy Father presented three elements that he thought were crucial to priestly formation, namely “dialogue, communion, and mission.” Nevertheless, at the heart of it all was prayer. As Pope Francis pointed out, in order to become a witness to the Gospel and to attract others to Jesus Christ, a disciple must first develop “a daily relationship with him, one nourished especially by prayer.” For, how could a priest give what he did not already possess? It may be that the generation of priests formed under Pope Francis will be defined by their prayer, and may it be so. On the whole, I am grateful for this experience which emphasized the important role that the Roman Pontiff plays in priestly formation, generating, on my part, a deeper appreciation and love for the office.