Shepherds of the Flock

The post-synodal apostolic exhortation 'on the bishop, servant of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the hope of the world', dated 16 October 2003, the twenty-fifth anniversary of John Paul II's election. It follows the Tenth Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, which met from 30 September to 27 October 2001 on the ministry of bishops,. Its seven chapters treat the mystery and ministry of the bishop, rooted in Christ and the college of the apostles; the bishop's spiritual life; the bishop as teacher of the faith and herald of the Word; as minister of the grace of the high priesthood, in the liturgy and the sacraments; his pastoral governance of the particular Church; the bishop in the communion of the Churches, with the Pope, the college and episcopal conferences; and the bishop facing the challenges of the present, including poverty, peace and dialogue. The image of the Good Shepherd runs through the whole.