HOSPITAL PASTORAL CARE AS THE REALIZATION OF THE CHURCH’S MISSIONARY IDENTITY IN LIGHT OF THE ECCLESIOLOGY OF THE SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24193/theol.cath.latina.2025.LXX.2.05Keywords:
hospital pastoral care, Second Vatican Council, Evangelii Gaudium, missionary identity, healing ministry, involvement of the laity, ecumenical cooperationAbstract
This article examines hospital pastoral care as a practical expression of the missionary identity of the Catholic Church in the light of the ecclesiological paradigm shift that emerged with Vatican II. Based on the documents of the Council, this work shows how the missiology, ecclesiology, lay participation, and ecumenical perspective promoted by Vatican II have contributed to a new conception of contemporary hospital pastoral care. I explore the way the new ecclesiological paradigm reflected in the conciliar documents and its reception in Pope Francis’ Evangelii Gaudium have shaped the understanding and practice of hospital pastoral care as part of the mission of the Catholic Church.
Article history: Received 10.04.2025; Revised 29.08.2025; Accepted 10.09.2025.
Available online: 22.12.2025; Available print: 30.01.2026.
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