HOLINESS IN POPE FRANCIS’ APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION GAUDETE ET EXSULTATE AS KEY TO CHRISTIAN UNITY
Markus Schmidt, S.J.
In spring 2018, Pope Francis promulgated his apostolic exhortation Gaudete et Exsultate. Its theme is holiness. This article explores holiness as key in the endeavour of making Christian unity more visible. Holiness is considered a fundamental attitude which supports sanctification as dynamic growth in holiness. Growth in holiness means that people strengthen their focus in life on Jesus Christ. In Jesus Christ, people are united with God and with one another. Holiness, therefore, is key to Christian unity.