Pope Francis warns against church careerism

Addressing an audience of Spanish Archbishops on Saturday, Pope Francis warned that the Devil entered through the pocket, urging the religious leaders to cultivate the spirit of poverty.

The Archbishops of Valladolid, Sevilla and Toledo had gathered at the Vatican to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Pontifical San Jose Spanish School in Rome, Efe news reported.

"Don't forget this. The Devil enters via the pocket," said Francis, adding: "please, eschew ecclesiastical careerism...it's a curse."

The pontiff said "you cannot be content with a comfortable, worry-free life without feeling the need to cultivate the spirit poverty rooted at the Heart of Christ."

He said the formation of a priest must not only be academic, although that was an important aspect, but rather should incorporate all facets of life.

Priests must not be content with getting a degree, but must also be full time disciples, he said.

The pope held the meeting in Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace.

--IANS

ksk/bg