Vatican spokesman: Proclamation of Jesus Christ is primary; doctrine and moral values, secondary (Vatican News)

Vatican spokesman Andrea Tornielli stated that proclaiming Jesus Christ must take precedence over teaching doctrine or moral values. Speaking on a new document from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith regarding the transmission of the faith, Tornielli, the editorial director of the Dicastery for Communication, said that appeals to Christian principles cannot replace a personal encounter with Christ.

Tornielli noted that passing on the faith can no longer begin by simply teaching religious information or doctrinal content as it might have decades ago when the Gospel was more integrated into family and social life. He also cautioned against relying solely on marketing or written pastoral strategies. Instead, he said the Church needs living communities and witnesses who demonstrate the beauty of Christian life to attract others.