Additional vocation-related Church documents

The following Church documents are helpful in understanding vocations to religious life

Dilexit Nos,  4th Encyclical Letter (He loved us, Pope Francis, 2024)

Synod 2021-2023

Fratelli Tutti 3rd Encyclical Letter (All Brothers, Pope Francis, 2020)

Christus Vivit Apostolic Exhortation (Christ is Alive! Pope Francis, 2019)

Identity and Mission of the Religious Brother in the Church, CICLSAL, 2018

Gaudete et Exsultate Apostolic Exhortation (Rejoice and be Glad, Pope Francis, 2018)

Amoris Laetitia Apostolic Exhortation (The Joy of Love: On Love in the Family, Pope Francis, 2016)

Laudato Si ’, mi’ Signore 2nd Encyclical Letter (Praise be to you, my Lord, Pope Francis, 2015)

Apostolic Letter to All Consecrated People  (Pope Francis, 2015)

Misericordiae Vultus (The Face of Mercy, Pope Francis, 2015)

Rejoice!  (A letter to consecrated men and women, Pope Francis, 2014)

Evangelii Gaudium Apostolic Exhortation (The Joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis, 2013)

Lumen Fidei 1st Encyclical Letter (The Light of Faith, Pope Francis, 2013)

Pastoral Guidelines for Fostering Vocations to Priestly Ministry (Congregation for Catholic Education, Pontifical Work for Priestly Vocations, 2012) English  Spanish

Caritas in Veritate Encyclical (Charity in Truth, Pope Benedict XVI, 2009)

Spe Salvi Encyclical (In hope we were saved, Pope Benedict XVI, 2007)

Program of Priestly Formation, fifth edition, USCCB, 2006

Deus Caritas Est Encyclical (God is Love, Pope Benedict XVI, 2005)

Starting Afresh from Christ (CICLSAL, 2002)

Vita Consecrata (The Consecrated Life, Pope John Paul II, 1996)

Directory on the Ministry and Life of Priests (Congregation for the Clergy, 1994)

Pastores Dabo Vobis (I will give you shepherds, Saint Pope John Paul II, 1992

Redemptoris Missio (The Mission of Christ the Redeemer, Pope John Paul II, 1990)

Code of Canon Law (1983)

Washington Statement on a Call to Brotherhood (Holy Trinity Mission Seminary, 1979)

Evangelii Nuntiandi Apostolic Exhortation (Proclaiming the Gospel, Pope Paul VI, 1975)

Gaudium et Spes (The Joys and Hopes, Pope Paul VI, 1965)

Perfectae Caritatis (Complete Love, Pope Paul VI, 1965)

Ad Gentes (To Nations, Pope Paul VI, 1965)

Lumen Gentium (Christ is the Light, Pope Paul VI, 1964)

Selected Quotes of Pope Francis by Subject

This document from the USCCB Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development is a compilation of helpful quotes and excerpts from speeches, messages, homilies, and audiences of Pope Francis. This informal compilation is not comprehensive; it does not cover every issue. This document is a work in progress and will be updated periodically.