Ad Gentes

On December 7, 1965, Pope Paul VI promulgated Ad Gentes (the Decree on the Mission Activity of the Church). Ad Gentes was overwhelmingly approved by the bishops gathered at the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965). As the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs states, Ad Gentes "announces the Catholic Church's commitment to bringing the Gospel to all people."

The name Ad Gentes comes from the Latin translation of Jesus' exhortation of the apostles to "go forth." It establishes evangelization as one of the fundamental missions of the Catholic Church and reaffirms the tie between evangelization and charity for the less-fortunate. Ad Gentes also calls for the formation of strong lay groups, as well as strong relations with other Christians. Finally, it lays out guidelines for the training and actions of the missionaries."