Jerusalem, Jan 4, 2021 / 14:00 pm
The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem has said that clericalism is "very evident" in the Holy Land.
Preaching on New Year's Day at the Latin Patriarchate Co-Cathedral in Jerusalem, Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa said "it is no secret that there is a certain distance between the clergy and the laity, and this is certainly not unique in our Church. It is a common theme for many churches in the world."
"The collaboration between priests and laity is often misunderstood and ends up becoming: 'simply do what the priest wants,'" the patriarch said Jan. 1.
He encouraged a greater active participation from the laity in the life of the Church. "It is difficult to find formed, committed lay people willing to make a positive contribution to the community. It is a real barrier that needs to be taken into consideration," he said, "especially thinking of the future generation, which wants to be the leaders in the life of the church, and not just executors of orders and directives."