Pope Francis Issues Stern Warning Against Gossiping Among Vatican Staff

In a compelling message during his annual Christmas greetings, Pope Francis urged Vatican bureaucrats to refrain from gossiping and speaking ill of one another, characterizing such behavior as an 'evil.' The 88-year-old pontiff, who appeared visibly unwell, emphasized the importance of speaking positively about one another and engaging in a humble self-reflection during the holiday season.

"A church community thrives in joyful and fraternal harmony as its members embrace humility, letting go of malicious thoughts and harmful speech," Francis stated emphatically. He pointed out that gossip not only destroys social bonds but also afflicts people's hearts with negativity, declaring succinctly: "Gossip is zero."

The pope has a history of using this annual address as a platform to call out the shortcomings within the Vatican Curia, where he has continually advocated for humility and introspection. In his 2014 address, he famously enumerated the "15 ailments of the Curia," highlighting issues of hypocrisy and the quest for power among church officials. He warned members of the clergy against "spiritual Alzheimer’s," a term he coined to describe the tendency of some to forget their divine calling and responsibilities.

Last year, he cautioned them about the "elegant demon" of rigidity that poses a threat to their spiritual well-being, encouraging a spirit of openness instead of judgment. This year, he returned to the topic of gossip, which he warned can create a toxic environment in any community, especially within the high-pressure atmosphere of the Vatican.

While he fosters an environment conducive to open dialogue and encourages constructive criticism of his leadership, Francis maintains that such discussions should occur face-to-face rather than behind closed doors, where gossip breeds.

This address marks the beginning of Pope Francis's hectic Christmas schedule, which is intensified this year with the start of the Vatican's Holy Year celebrations on Christmas Eve. His determination to address interpersonal conflicts among Vatican staff reflects a broader commitment to improving the internal culture of one of the world’s most influential religious institutions.

As we approach the festive season, the Pope’s message resonates not only within the walls of the Vatican but also across communities worldwide: the spirit of Christmas is one of kindness, understanding, and support for one another, rather than criticism and division. Let’s heed his words—stop the gossip and embrace a more positive dialogue.