In a recently published letter to the cardinals of the universal Church, Pope Leo XIV highlighted the enduring significance of Pope Francis' apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium. The Pontiff emphasized the need to consider this document as the foundation for a renewed missionary orientation of the Church. This comes ahead of the consistory planned for late June in Rome, where cardinals will gather for deliberations.
Pope Leo referenced conversations during the last meeting in January, where cardinals reaffirmed the ongoing relevance of Evangelii Gaudium. The document is valued not only as a theological contribution but especially as a spiritual guide that focuses attention on the kerygma – the good news of Jesus Christ – as the heart of Christian identity. It was described as an inspiring impetus that can trigger profound processes of pastoral renewal.
The Lasting Relevance of Evangelii Gaudium
Published in 2013, the apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium stands as one of the defining documents of Pope Francis' pontificate. It marked a clear focus on the Church's missionary mandate at the beginning of his ministry. While themes like fraternity and synodal processes gained prominence in later years, the fundamental message of evangelization remains unchanged in its importance.
In his letter, Pope Leo stressed that this perspective challenges the Church at every level. On a personal level, it invites every baptized person to renew their encounter with Christ and move from a merely inherited faith to a personally experienced and lived faith. As Romans says:
"If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9 NIV)
Personal and Communal Dimensions
This personal renewal of faith immediately impacts the quality of spiritual life. It manifests in the priority of prayer, in testimony that precedes words, and in the consistency between faith and daily living. At the community level, it requires a shift from a maintenance-oriented to a missionary pastoral approach.
Communities are called to be living bearers of proclamation – welcoming places that find accessible language, value the quality of interpersonal relationships, and offer spaces for listening, accompaniment, and healing. In Acts we read about the example of the first Christians:
"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." (Acts 2:42 NIV)
Structural Support for Missionary Courage
At the diocesan level, Pope Leo underscored the responsibility of pastors to decisively support missionary courage. It's important to ensure that this enthusiasm isn't stifled by organizational overload but remains guided by spiritual discernment that helps recognize what's essential.
Against this background, the Pope suggested further reflection on various proposals from the cardinals. These include considerations for deepening the implementation of Evangelii Gaudium in pastoral practice and developing concrete ways for communities to live out their missionary calling today. Important aspects include:
- Renewing catechesis as an introduction to a living faith
- Strengthening small groups as spaces for spiritual growth
- Developing a welcoming parish culture
- Empowering lay people in their missionary vocation
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