In the footsteps of Pope Francis: inspiration for a Church “that goes forth”

Abstract

This article offers fundamental reflections on the “Church that goes forth,” an expression adopted by Pope Francis as a hallmark of his pontificate. To this end, we conducted a literature review, based on which we interpret the data pertaining to this theme. Thus, we consider the following to be relevant to the “Church that goes forth”: the witness of missionary disciples; the option for the poor; decentralization as a path to pastoral conversion; and life according to the Holy Spirit, which nourishes missionary spirituality. The “Church that goes forth” is in continuity with the renewal proposed at Vatican II. Although the expression has been highlighted during Pope Francis’s pontificate, the practice of a “Church that goes forth” is a process that cannot end with him. His legacy will continue to illuminate ecclesial life in the pursuit of fidelity to the Gospel. Therefore, the movement sparked by Francis’s pontificate has awakened the demands of mission in all areas of evangelization.