Pedagogical Principles of Culture in Pope Francis’ Exhortation Gaudete et exsultate

Abstract

Francis characterizes contemporary culture as: nervous and violent anxiety that distracts and weakens us; negativity and sadness; hedonism; consumerist and egoistic acedia; individualism; and many forms of false spirituality devoid of encounter with God, prevailing in the contemporary religious space. In many speeches, he calls it a “culture of exclusion”. The Pope’s response to the threats and limitations of modern culture is based on the pedagogical principles found in the exhortation Gaudete et exsultate. The aim of this article is to analyse the teachings of Pope Francis in order to show the need to renew thinking and attitudes in the face of various challenges that arise in religiously, culturally, and politically diverse societies, in the context of the family’s educational duties.