Published: 2022-12-28

Inclusive ecclesiology according to Pope Francis

Stanisław Jan Rabiej
Studia Oecumenica
Section: General ecumenical issues
DOI https://doi.org/10.25167/so.4975

Abstract

The article attempts to assess Pope Francis' pontificate of less than a decade so far in the domain of his pastoral concern for the Church. In its totality, one can recognize the hallmarks of inclusive ecclesiology. In justifying the validity of the term, reference was made to biblical sources. It was pointed out to what extent Francis' teaching and pastoral practice manifests the logic of inclusiveness honouring the culture of encounter, which allows the sensus fidei of the People of God to come to the fore. Selected texts and gestures of the Pope encouraging the creation of a „Church of proximity” by going to the periphery are recalled. To achieve the intended research goal, the method of analyzing the collected material in the form of recorded speeches and published texts of the Bishop of Rome in 2013-2022 justifying the legitimacy of the term: inclusive ecclesiology was used. As a result of a kind of cross-reading, their compatibility with the earlier teaching of the Church was indicated. 

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Rabiej, S. J. (2022). Inclusive ecclesiology according to Pope Francis. Studia Oecumenica, 22, 23–46. https://doi.org/10.25167/so.4975

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