With new ministry of catechist, Pope Francis widens role for lay Catholics
The latest motu proprio signals a continued, albeit timid, effort to answer a growing demand for agency from rank-and-file Catholics. Faithful listen to Pope Francis deliver his message during the Regina Caeli noon prayer from the window of his studio overlooking St. Peter s Square, at the Vatican, Sunday, May 2, 2021. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
May 11, 2021
VATICAN CITY (RNS) In a measure aimed at promoting the work of lay people in the Catholic Church, Pope Francis instituted a new ministry of catechists on Tuesday (May 11), open to lay Catholics, men and women to serve the church by transmitting the faith.