Great acclaim has greeted the first Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Francis Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel).  It is wide-ranging and profound, yet written with a simple and beautiful directness which has come to characterise this Pontificate. One example is this encouragement to catechists: “On the lips of the catechist the first proclamation must ring out over and over: ‘Jesus Christ loves you; he gave his life to save you; and now he is living at your side every day to enlighten, strengthen and free you.’“

Among a number of themes, it touches upon: evangelisation, mission, peace, social justice, the family, respect for creation, the role of women and of the laity in the Church. This document is worthy of close reading (a number of times), sustained reflection, discussion and prayer.