Pastores Dabo Vobis

On the Formation of Priests in the Circumstances of the Present Day

St. John Paul II1992-03-25Current

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Overview

Sets out human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral formation for candidates to the priesthood and continuing formation for priests.

Why This Document Matters

It remains the foundational modern papal framework for Catholic priestly formation.

Historical Context

Issued by St. John Paul II in 1992, 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: 1992-03-25

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

Key Points

Clergy & Holy OrdersEducation & FormationSpirituality & Prayer

Major Themes

Clergy & Holy OrdersEducation & FormationSpirituality & Prayer

Related CatholicG33k Resources

Official Text

Pastores Dabo Vobis

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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