“Be careful that the candidates you recommend for episcopal appointments are not ambitious, that they do not seek the episcopate-volentes nolumus.”

These were the words of Pope Francis to the hundreds of Papal Representatives, also known as Apostolic Nuncios, convoked to the Vatican from their diplomatic postings across the globe for two days of reflection and prayer in the context of the Year of Faith.

The Holy Father spoke with them Friday, in a lengthy address which he said came “from the heart”, and was not just one of “perfunctory words”.

His Holiness listed qualities of Episcopal candidates, saying that they ”must be pastors close to the people, fathers and brothers, that are gentle, patient and merciful; animated by inner poverty, the freedom of the Lord and also by outward simplicity and austerity of life, that they do not have the psychology of ”Princes”.

Pope Francis dwelt on  nuncio’s most important service, ”the delicate task of carrying out enquiries into candidates to become bishops,” reminding them of the famous expression that indicates a fundamental criterion in choosing who should govern ”If holy, let him pray for us, if learned teach us, if prudent govern us”.

The Pope also warned bishops and priests against materialism saying that, ”giving in to worldly spirit exposes us Pastors to ridicule, perhaps we may be applauded by some, but those same people who seem to approve of us, then criticize us behind our backs.”

Continuing, he cautioned: Never forget you are Pastors, who “carry Christ to the world”, detached from the “bourgeoisie spirit and life” of those who pursue only worldly goods and which “risk ridiculing the holy mission” of Papal Representatives.”

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