This article examines the 2013 apostolic exhortation "Evangelii Gaudium" by Pope Francis in terms of its significance for addressing LGBT + issues in Catholic learning environments. Using the 10 capabilities necessary for human flourishing as outlined by Martha Nussbaum in her "capability approach" to civil society and questions of social justice, I argue that the implications of "Evangelii Gaudium" for Catholic learning environments are significant and provide necessary guidance for addressing LGBT + social justice issues where these issues have often been ignored or insufficiently addressed. In "Evangelii Gaudium" Pope Francis is challenging the global community of Catholics to consider what kind of society the Church is producing, and I argue that a capabilities approach provides a fruitful way in which to consider and respond to this challenge. Although written with Catholicism in mind, the challenges presented by Pope Francis are pertinent for consideration by other faith communities and educators more generally.