Popular devotions arise from the Church’s life in response to the spiritual needs of particular peoples and cultures, but they remain subordinate to the liturgy, which is the centre and summit of Christian worship. Practices such as the rosary, pilgrimages, and the Stations of the Cross should draw on Scripture, extend the spirit of the liturgy into daily and family prayer, and lead believers back to fuller participation in the sacraments rather than replace them. Their cultural variety may be welcomed when it remains faithful to Church teaching.

Veneration of Mary and the saints differs from adoration, which belongs to God alone; all authentic devotion ultimately leads to Christ and depends on his unique mediation. Private revelations are not binding like public Revelation in Scripture and Tradition, and must be judged by whether they accord with the Gospel and centre on Christ. Bishops, assisted by clergy, oversee devotional practices, while the Pope may guide or restrict them. Popular piety should foster solidarity, especially service to the poor, and virtues such as patience, sacrifice, and charity. The discussion of indulgences distinguishes them from forgiveness of sin: through the Communion of Saints they remit temporal punishment under the prescribed conditions, and may also benefit the faithful departed.