You are all the Pope’s men, Francis tells bickering bishops

Appealing for an end to infighting and bickering in the divided Italian Church, Pope Francis has urged for unity.

He told the Italian bishops’ conference (CEI) on Monday to abandon careerism and jealousy. He said: “Avoid the temptations of using time for personal gain, gossip, half-truths that become lies, gripes, jealousy, blinding envy and ambition which leads to political currents, free­masonry and sectarianism.” He added: “Heaven is completely empty of the self-centred.”

The opening address of the conference would normally have been delivered by Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, the president of the conference. But, in what was read as a sign that he intended to bring the bishops into line, Francis himself gave the first speech.

He said there was a perception that the bishops are divided, with media saying: “these are the Pope’s men, these are not”. “But, I want to say to you, that they are all the Pope’s men,” Francis declared. “We must go forward with a common message.” Cardinal Bagnasco responded, saying Francis was a force for unity “like Paul VI”, who will be beatified in October. “Both were placed by divine providence to guide the Church through times of great change,” he said.