Vatican issues 'Venite ad Me' document on faith transmission

The Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith has published a new document titled ‘Venite ad Me’ (Come to Me) to address the crisis in the intergenerational transmission of the Christian faith. Issued on October 22, the document acknowledges that cultural shifts, family breakdowns, and digital technologies have disrupted the automatic passing of religious belief from one generation to the next.

Signed by Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández and approved by Pope Leo XIV, the 25,000-word text emphasizes the need to proclaim the ‘kerygma’—the essential message of salvation through Christ’s death and resurrection. It highlights that parish membership and familiarity with worship do not equate to a living faith. Consequently, the document urges churches to prioritize the evangelization of adults alongside the catechization of children and teenagers.

The text also explores the role of liturgy, beauty, and personal witness in religious formation. It incorporates reflections on modern challenges, including artificial intelligence, and includes personal testimonies regarding the impact of faith in diverse contexts.