Below is an excerpt from Bishop Robert Gruss' reflection after he and the bishops of Ohio and Michigan met with Pope Francis on Dec. 10, 2019.
Following the Mass at the Basilica of St. John Lateran, later in the morning, we, the Bishops of Region 6, had our visit with the Holy Father, Pope Francis. I must thank the Pope Francis for his generosity in giving two hours and fifteen minutes of his time to be with us and share in a relaxed and intimate conversation with him. It was a moment of shared Episcopal fraternity as we spoke about many topics raised from questions or comments by the bishops.
Pope Francis greeted us individually as we entered into the hall, bishops, priests and seminarians. During the individual greeting, the Vatican photographer was nearby snapping photos in rapid succession. At the conclusion, the priests and seminarians were asked to leave. The meeting with the Holy Father was reserved for the bishops only. We sat in a semi-circle, Pope Francis sitting in the middle with an interpreter. He spoke in Italian, the bishops in English.
As I sat there listening to our Holy Father, I was moved by being in his presence. But more importantly, I was inspired by his honesty and candor to many questions raised from the bishops – questions about the sex abuse scandal, the recent Amazon Synod, the sexual morality issues we face in society, the media presentation of his public comments, women in the Church, the great importance of the New Evangelization for the Church today, among many other things. There was no topic that could not have been discussed if it had been raised.
Pope Francis spoke with honesty and great clarity about these things. For me, I sensed that with the Holy Father, there was a sense of deep unity and care for us, and that he was very appreciative of our ministry. He acknowledged the suffering which priests experience today in the midst of their ministry and he encouraged us bishops not to be afraid to suffer for the Church – that we are not alone.
At the closing of our meeting, Pope Francis asked us to pray for him and for the Church. I felt privileged and blessed to have had the opportunity for this experience to be with our Holy Father in such an intimate setting. This is something that I will remember for some time. Please pray for Pope Francis, and your own bishop!