Christifideles Laici

On the Vocation and Mission of the Lay Faithful

St. John Paul II1988-12-30Current

Read official document on Vatican.va ↗Return to library

Overview

Explains lay vocation, communion, ministries, formation, holiness, and mission in the Church and the world.

Why This Document Matters

It is the principal post-synodal papal guide to lay identity and apostolate after Vatican II.

Historical Context

Issued by St. John Paul II in 1988, 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: 1988-12-30

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

Key Points

EcclesiologyEvangelization & MissionHuman Dignity & Life

Major Themes

EcclesiologyEvangelization & MissionHuman Dignity & Life

Related CatholicG33k Resources

Official Text

Christifideles Laici

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.

Read official document on Vatican.va ↗Source verified 2026-08-25 · Opens in a new tab