Papal and Church Documents
Evangelii Nuntiandi
Evangelii Nuntiandi (“Evangelization in the Modern World”) is an apostolic exhortation issued on 8 December 1975 by Pope Paul IV on the theme of evangelization. Written 10 years after Vatican II, in a direct effort to reverse the collapse of missionary zeal that unfortunately happened after the Council, Evangelii Nuntiandi clearly explains what evangelization is and how to go about evangelizing in the modern world.
View the Evangelii Nuntiandi pdf
Redemptoris Missio
The encyclical commemorates the twenty-fifth anniversary of Vatican II’s Decree on the Church’s Missionary Activity, Ad gentes. John Paul II stressed “the urgency of missionary activity” and invited “the Church to renew her missionary commitment.” The encyclical differentiates three areas of evangelization:
- Missio ad gentes, directed to people who do not yet believe in Christ
- Re-evangelization, aimed at rekindling Christian faith
- Pastoral care, the deeper insertion of the gospel in the hearts and minds of faithful Christians
View the Redemptoris Missio pdf
Evangelii Gaudium
The joy of the gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness. With Christ joy is constantly born anew. In this Exhortation I wish to encourage the Christian faithful to embark upon a new chapter of evangelization marked by this joy, while pointing out new paths for the Church’s journey in years to come.
View the Evangelii Gaudium pdf
JPII Message VII World Youth Day (1991)
Dear young people, like the first disciples, follow Jesus! Do not be afraid to draw near to him, to cross the threshold of his dwelling, to speak with him, face to face, as you talk with a friend (cf. Ex 33:11). Do not be afraid of the “new life” he is offering.