Pope Francis said in his morning homily on September 11 that bishops must remember to pray and be humble in knowing that God chose them and try their best to remain close to the people even when under attack.
The accuser, according to the Pope "roams the world seeking how to blame. The strength of the bishop against the great accuser is prayer - his own and Jesus', the humility to feel chosen and staying close to the people of God without heading toward an aristocratic life."
The Pope added that a bishop should not seek refuge from the elite and powerful. Pope Francis said that the devil, "the great accuser, has been let loose and he's got it in for the bishops. True, there are, we are all sinners, we bishops." Furthermore, he said that the great accuser seeks to reveal sins in order to scandalize the people.
The Pope reflected on the Gospel's reading to St. Luke (6:12-19) which tells about how Jesus prayed hard in the mountain before choosing his 12 apostles. Jesus praying for his apostles means Jesus is always praying for his bishops, which is a great consolation for a bishop during terrible situations.
"Bishops are also to be men of prayer - praying for themselves and the people of God," he added.
"The faithful bishop knows that he did not choose. The bishop who loves Jesus is not a climber who moves up with his vocation as if it were a job." Instead, a bishop humbly says to the Lord He chose him even though he is a sinner, Pope Francis said.
