"The priesthood is not a means for social advancement" – to the bishops of Malawi, on their ad limina

"In a world dominated by secular and materialist values, it can be hard to maintain the counter-cultural manner of life that is so necessary in the priesthood and the religious life". He said: "The clergy in your country, like those to whom they minister, sometimes find themselves in situations of want, lacking the means necessary for their ‘decent support … and the exercise of works of the apostolate and of charity.’"

The Holy Father said, "I am sure that you will do your utmost to provide for the legitimate needs of your co-workers, while at the same time warning them against excessive concern with material possessions. Help your clergy not to fall into the trap of seeing the priesthood as a means of social advancement by reminding them that ‘the only legitimate ascent towards the shepherd’s ministry is the Cross'(…) The formation staff in the seminaries need to teach the students that a priest is called to live for others and not for himself."