VATICAN (CNS): Pope Leo XIV told the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith at its Vatican plenary that the rise in people not valuing the gospel should inspire Catholics to rediscover the joy of evangelisation, not lose heart. He called the transmission of faith urgent.
He praised the dicastery’s work in helping safeguard Catholic teaching, citing Pope Francis’ Praedicate Evangelium.
He noted a breakdown in passing down faith, especially among youth, who often no longer see the gospel as fundamental.
Many young people live without reference to God or the Church. This, he said, should motivate believers to rediscover the joy of evangelising.
Pope Leo reiterated the Church’s desire to be missionary, looking outward and proclaiming the gospel “through the power of attraction,” reminding all that “it is not the Church that attracts, but Christ.”
He highlighted the dicastery’s work clarifying doctrine and handling grave crimes against Church law and encouraged the dicastery to continue welcoming and supporting bishops and superiors dealing with reserved cases.
He stressed this delicate ministry requires justice, truth and charity, urging continued humble service to the Church.
