Pope Francis urges Vatican bureaucrats to avoid rigid ideological positions and embrace today's reality. He encourages them to listen to one another and evolve to better serve the Catholic Church. The pope warns against sticking to rules that hinder progress and separate them from reality. Francis also alludes to priests blessing same-sex couples, a recent change in Vatican policy. He cites the importance of journeying forward, following the light, and being open to new paths. The annual greeting to the Vatican hierarchy takes place amidst ongoing debates between progressives and conservatives.