In an apostolic exhortation titled "Evangelii Gaudium," or "The Joy of the Gospel," Pope Francis has set an agenda to return the Catholic Church to the humility Christ showed in his devotion to the poor.

The pontiff decried an "idolatry of money" in secular culture and warned that it would lead to "a new tyranny." But he reserved a large part of his critique for what he sees as an excessively top-down Catholic Church hierarchy, calling for more local governance and greater inclusiveness — including "broader opportunities for a more incisive female presence in the Church."

The 50,000-word statement is the latest sign that Francis intends to push the church in a new direction. On some issues — such as income inequality and poverty — he is echoing concerns long pursued by his predecessors. On others, such as the management of the church, he is embarking on a new path marked by less central authority.

Sources

The Washington Post
WND
Express
Image: AP/Express

Pope Francis said he was seeking advise on how his role should change - using an informal style for his first "apostolic exhortation".

"It is my duty, as the Bishop of Rome, to be open to suggestions which can help make the exercise of my ministry more faithful to the meaning which Jesus Christ wished to give it," the pope wrote.

Pope Francis said it was time for "a conversion of the papacy", adding that "excessive centralization, rather than proving helpful, complicates the Church's life."

Bishops should have "genuine doctrinal authority", he said in the document.

On abortion, Pope Francis said the Church "cannot be expected to change her position on this question" although he added that it should do more "to adequately accompany women in very difficult situations, where abortion appears as a quick solution."

The pontiff has instituted a council of cardinals to advise him on reforms including a shake-up of the Vatican bureaucracy after a series of high-profile scandals in recent years and disgruntlement in many local churches.

In the document, Pope Francis stressed the importance of the Church's social message and criticized the injustices of the global economy - a priority for his papacy.

Sources

Los Angeles Times
The Guardian
The Telegraph
Image: AFP/The Telegraph