How Pope Changed Mission for Catholic Colleges, Universities

One of the most important documents of Francis' pontificate is the apostolic constitution Veritatis Gaudium of Dec. 8, 2017, which is on ecclesiastical faculties and universities. In the foreword, Francis stated that "the primary need today is for the whole People of God to be ready to embark upon a new stage of 'Spirit-filled' evangelization. This calls for 'a resolute process of discernment, purification and reform.'" This call is specific for the system of ecclesiastical studies, but much of the foreword reflects the overall vision of the role of Catholic colleges and universities "essential for a church that 'goes forth'! All the more so because today we are not only living in a time of changes but are experiencing a true epochal shift, marked by a wide-ranging 'anthropological' and 'environmental crisis.' "