The divine calling of priests is to serve the poor and those living on the margins of society, Pope Francis said Friday at the Vatican.
"You were called and consecrated by God to stay with Jesus and to serve Him in the poor and in those excluded from society," Francis told priests from the Sons of Divine Providence Catholic missionary order.
Francis warned priests not to let their faith “become an ideology,” or their charity a mere “philanthropy”.
"There is so much need for priests and nuns who know how to go beyond the confines of charitable institutions and bring the balm of Christ's charity far and wide."
"Your heart... needs to go out to bring the mercy of God to all, without distinction,” Francis said.
