A few weeks ago, I began reading Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium: Spreading the Joy of the Gospel. At just over 200 pages and written in Pope Francis’ open and addressable style, I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in evangelization (spoiler alert: we are all evangelists). As he often does, Pope Francis combines profound insights on the importance of evangelization and offers practical guidelines for Catholics in their mission to spread the Good News.

At the core of “Evangelii Gaudium” lies the Pope’s conviction that the Church is called to be a community of missionary disciples. He reminds us that every baptized person is called to share the joy of encountering Christ and to bring others into this transformative experience. Evangelization is not a mere optional task but an essential aspect of our Christian identity, an ongoing process that requires enthusiasm, creativity, and passion. He encourages us to cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, allowing His love and mercy to touch our lives so profoundly that it naturally overflows and impacts those around us.

Pope Francis calls for each of us to undertake a “pastoral and missionary conversion” that involves reaching out to others, going beyond our comfort zones, and boldly proclaiming the Gospel message.

In practical terms, Pope Francis calls for a Church that is “outgoing,” reaching out to those on the margins and responding to the needs of the poor, the marginalized, and the spiritually lost. He invites us to embrace a culture of encounter, engaging in dialogue with others, respecting their stories, and genuinely listening to their concerns.

The Pope highlights the importance of the Church’s social mission, advocating for justice, solidarity, and the promotion of human dignity. He urges us to address the root causes of social ills, including poverty, inequality, and injustice. Through acts of charity, compassion, and works of mercy, we become witnesses to the transformative power of the Gospel in our world.

Published in 2013, in “Evangelii Gaudium,” the Pope addresses the challenges of the digital age and the importance of utilizing modern means of communication to spread the Gospel message. He encourages Catholics to embrace the digital realm as a space for encounter and dialogue, while remaining rooted in authentic human relationships and fostering a sense of community.

“Evangelii Gaudium” serves as a clarion call to all Catholics to embrace their missionary identity and actively participate in the evangelizing mission of the Church.  Step out with courage and love, knowing that we have been entrusted with the greatest news humanity could ever receive—the joy of the Gospel.EVANGELII GAUDIUM can be found online at the Vatican’s website here.