Vatican, Mar. 13, 2007 (CWNews.com) - In his apostolic exhortation Sacramentum Caritatis, Pope Benedict XVI (bio - news) summarizes and concludes the work of the Synod of Bishops, which met in October 2005 to discuss the Eucharist. The Pope explains that his document is designed to promote “a renewed commitment to Eucharistic enthusiasm and fervor in the Church.”

The apostolic exhortation is a teaching document, not a liturgical directive, and Pope Benedict does not introduce any new programs or policies. But the Holy Father does demand respectful adherence to existing liturgical norms, strongly encourages traditional practices such as Eucharistic adoration, and suggests a broader use of Latin and traditional chant.