The Joy of the Gospel is the title Pope Francis has chosen for this first major document of his pontificate, putting down in print the joyous spirit of encounter with Christ that characterizes every public appearance he has made so far. The man who has constantly kept the media\u2019s attention with his desire to embrace and share his faith with everyone he meets, now urges us to do exactly the same. To \u201crecover the original freshness of the Gospel\u201d\u009d, as he puts it, through a thorough renewal of the Church\u2019s structures and vision. Including what he calls \u201ca conversion of the papacy\u201d\u009d to make it better able to serve the mission of evangelization in the modern world. The Church, he says, should not be afraid to re-examine \u201ccustoms not directly connected to the heart of the Gospel\u201d\u009d even if they may have deep historical roots.<\/p>\n
In strikingly direct and personal language, the Pope appeals to all Christians to bring about a \u201crevolution of tenderness\u201d\u009d by opening their hearts each day to God\u2019s unfailing love and forgiveness. The great danger in today\u2019s consumer society, he says, is \u201cthe desolation and anguish\u201d\u009d that comes from a \u201ccovetous heart, the feverish pursuit of frivolous pleasures, and a blunted conscience.\u201d\u009d Whenever our interior life becomes caught up in its own interests , he warns, \u201cthere is no longer room for others, no place for the poor.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n