Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has called on the Church to rediscover the “sweet and comforting joy of evangelizing,” stressing that the transmission of the faith has become an urgent challenge in the modern era. Addressing the plenary assembly of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) at the Vatican on Thursday, the Pope warned that a serious rupture in the generational handing on of the Christian faith can no longer be ignored.
Welcoming the members of the Dicastery, Pope Leo expressed deep appreciation for their service to the universal Church. He recalled that, in line with the Apostolic Constitution Praedicate Evangelium, the Dicastery assists the Pope and the bishops in proclaiming the Gospel worldwide by promoting and safeguarding the integrity of Catholic teaching on faith and morals. This mission, he said, draws from the deposit of faith while seeking ever deeper understanding in response to new and complex questions emerging in contemporary society.
The Pope emphasized that the task of the Dicastery is not merely academic, but profoundly pastoral. By offering doctrinal clarification and theological guidance often on sensitive and delicate matters the DDF helps both pastors and theologians to serve the People of God more faithfully. He expressed gratitude for the many documents issued by the Dicastery in recent years, noting that their depth and clarity contribute significantly to the spiritual growth of the faithful.
In the context of what he described as an “epochal change,” Pope Leo said such work provides the Church with a timely and authoritative voice. It helps address new cultural and social phenomena, supports bishops in their pastoral responsibilities, and guides theologians in their mission of study and evangelization.
The Pope offered particular praise for the Dicastery’s decision to focus its plenary discussions on the transmission of the faith, describing it as a matter of pressing urgency. He observed that in recent decades a clear break has occurred in the passing on of the Christian faith from one generation to the next, especially in regions with a long Christian history. Increasingly, he noted, many Catholics particularly young people no longer see the Gospel as a central reference point for their lives.
While acknowledging that this reality causes deep concern and sorrow among believers, Pope Leo insisted that it should not lead to discouragement. Instead, he said, it must prompt the Church to rediscover the inner joy of evangelization, which lies at the heart of her identity and mission. He lamented that many young men and women today live without reference to God or the Church, but stressed that this challenge calls for renewed missionary zeal rather than withdrawal.
Recalling the recent Extraordinary Consistory held on January 7–8, the Pope reiterated the Cardinals’ call for a Church that looks beyond itself and embraces its missionary vocation. He emphasized the need for a Church that proclaims the Gospel not through self-promotion, but through the power of attraction a theme frequently highlighted by his predecessors, Benedict XVI and Francis.
At the heart of this attraction, Pope Leo explained, is not the Church herself, but Christ. The life of the Church, he said, is rooted in the love of the Father revealed in the Son and made present through the Holy Spirit. When individuals or communities draw others toward faith, it is because the love flowing from the Heart of Christ is at work through them. For this reason, the Pope underlined that within the Church, no one should seek protagonism or exclusivity; each person is called to see himself or herself simply as a humble worker in the Lord’s vineyard.
Before concluding, Pope Leo addressed another critical responsibility of the Dicastery, expressing gratitude for its role in welcoming and accompanying bishops and major superiors who must deal with cases involving serious crimes reserved to the DDF. He described this area of ministry as particularly delicate and stressed the importance of ensuring that justice, truth, and charity are always upheld together.
The Pope concluded by renewing his appreciation for the often quiet and discreet service offered by the members of the Dicastery, both past and present. Commending their work to the Lord, he imparted his Apostolic Blessing, encouraging them to continue serving the Church with humility, fidelity, and renewed missionary spirit.