In his letter "Rosarium Virginis Mariae" October 16, 2002, Pope John Paul II called on Catholics and other Christians as well to pray the rosary. Though it is not mandatory, the pope also suggested that five mysteries be added to the traditional fifteen. He called them "Luminous Mysteries," or the Mysteries of light, which includes the mysteries of Christ's public ministry between his Baptism and his Passion. This book includes the Luminous Mysteries, and incorporates them into the fifteen traditional mysteries.