Pastores Gregis

The Bishop, Servant of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the Hope of the World

St. John Paul II2003-10-16Current

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Overview

Presents the bishop as teacher, sanctifier, governor, witness of hope, and servant of communion and mission.

Why This Document Matters

It is a major post-synodal synthesis of episcopal identity and pastoral responsibility.

Historical Context

Issued by St. John Paul II in 2003, this apostolic exhortation addresses the pastoral, doctrinal, or governing needs of its period while remaining part of the Church's continuing documentary tradition.

Authority and Status

Genre: Apostolic Exhortation
Authority class: Papal apostolic exhortation
Juridical force: Doctrinal and pastoral
Current status: Current
Promulgated: 2003-10-16

Authoritative papal pastoral and magisterial guidance; any cited definitive teaching retains its own proper authority.

Key Points

Clergy & Holy OrdersEcclesiologyEvangelization & Mission

Major Themes

Clergy & Holy OrdersEcclesiologyEvangelization & Mission

Related CatholicG33k Resources

Official Text

Pastores Gregis

The official document text is hosted by the Holy See. CatholicG33k provides contextual and educational material but does not reproduce the complete Vatican text here.

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