The Vatican presented the pope's new apostolic exhortation on holiness, a spiritual guide for Christians of the 21st century.
MSGR. ANGELO DE DONATIS
Vicar General, Diocese of Rome
'It seems beautiful to me that the pope, at this moment, offers us the indication and goal of where we are all striving to go.'
GREG BURKE
Vatican spokesperson
'It is not a document about canonizations or beatifications. This is, above all, about holiness today, a normal life and normal people.'
During the press conference at the Vatican, the presenters said the concept of the daily call to holiness is not new. However, the pope deemed it worthy of remembrance through this work.
PAOLA BIGNARDI
Catholic Action
'The universal call to holiness is one of the things we have learned by reading the documents of the Second Vatican Council. Since they emphasize the fact that today Christian holiness in ordinary life is possible seems to me an element of great interest.'
'Gaudete et Exultate' is a pastoral document that is especially addressed to the laity. It emphasizes that holiness is not only reserved to priests, bishops or religious, but it is available to everyone.