Pope Francis met with representatives of the 33 episcopal conferences of Europe. They met in Rome to prepare for the Synod on the family.
CARD. PÉTER ERDí?
President, Council of European Episcopal Conferences
'We are here to meet with Your Holiness. We have come from the whole European continent. From the North Sea to the Mediterranean. From the Atlantic to the Urals and beyond.â?
Pope Francis told them that it is important that 'pastors and families work togetherâ? to find ways for the parish to convert into a 'family of families.â?
He also emphasized that this collaboration should extend to 'the field of education.â? Parishes, he said, should, 'support parentsâ? in the work of educating their children. 'Parentsâ?, he continued, 'are the first teachers of their childrenâ? and, as such, 'have the right to educate their children according to their religious and moral convictions.â?
The theme of the assembly of the Council of European Episcopal Conferences is 'Family and the future of Europe.â? The members of the council will meet until October 4th.
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