Pope Francis’ new apostolic exhortation is a remarkable treatise of faith and purpose. Above all, says a church commentator, it is an endorsement for the laity, placing them in their rightful place alongside the priests. Yet some may still not be satisfied Bundling the joy and hope for renewal and reform surrounding the election, ministry and messages to date of Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium – “The Joy of the Gospel” – is an easy-to-follow 50,000-word apostolic exhortation from his own hand. The text draws the lay faithful into a conversation with a Pope who cares about them, especially the poor, oppressed and marginalised, and about the Church in need of renewal for the sake of the Gospel.Thirteen times, Pope Francis refers to pilgrims or pilgrimage. In t