Pope Francis kicked off an inter-religious conference to highlight that marriage is based on the complimentary roles of a man and a woman. He stressed that a decline in marriage, inevitably leads to a decline in society.
POPE FRANCIS
'This revolution in thought and morals has often flown the flag of freedom, but in fact it has brought spiritual and material devastation to countless human beings, especially the poorest and most vulnerable.â?
The conference, titled 'Humanum' brings together more than 350 people, from 23 countries and 14 religions, to the Vatican. One of the underlying themes, is the right children have to grow up in a stable home, with a mother and father.
POPE FRANCIS
'Family is an anthropological fact - a socially and culturally related fact. We cannot qualify it based on ideological notions or concepts that only survive during a certain point in time, but eventually they crumble. We can't think of conservative or progressive notions. Family is a family. It can't be qualified by ideological notions. Family is per se. It is a strength per se.â?
The Pope confirmed for the first time, that he plans to travel to the U.S next year, to lead the World Meeting of Families.
POPE FRANCIS
'I wish to confirm, God willing, that in September of 2015, I will go to Philadelphia for the 8th World Meeting of Families.â?
The need to believe in marriage in the first place, was also touched on. Especially in light of the cynicism that surrounds younger generations.
IGNACIO IBARZABAL
Speaker, Grupo Solido (Argentina)
'In a way, we're the first massive generation from broken families. That's one of the biggest challenges because it becomes difficult for us to believe that true love really exists.â?
It's a crisis that triggers instability and many social ills, among them an increase in poverty. Part of the solution is communication.
IGNACIO IBARZABAL
Speaker, Grupo Solido (Argentina)
'This implies looking beyond parenthood, or education in school. It implies having a voice in radio, television, Facebook, twitter, websites, Instagram, phone apps. So, we must take on this challenge if we want to help these people who are suffering.â?
The three day conference will showcase a total of 40 speakers of different ages, faiths and nationalities.
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