Power must not be an obsession for members of the Italian Catholic Church, Pope Francis said on Tuesday, invoking divine protection from this temptation.
"May God protect the Church in Italy from every trapping of power," Francis said.
He was addressing 2,500 Italian clergymen gathered in the central Italian city of Florence for the opening session of the fifth national church conference taking place at the city's cathedral.
"An obsession with one's own glory, dignity and influence must play no part in our sentiments...we must seek the happiness of those around us," Francis said.
His words echoed a homily at the Vatican earlier this month that deplored "self-serving" prelates.
Italian bishops must be "shepherds" who are supported by their flock, he said. "Let this be what gives you joy."
He urged churchmen to work to bring in the poor from the margins of society. "The poor have a special place in the Lord's flock," he stressed.
"A Church that is humble, disinterested and blessed knows how to recognise the Lord's work in the world."
