The family is one of the themes to which Pope Francis has dedicated much of his pontificate. His contributions as pontiff focus on two aspects. The first is caring for relationships within the family.
POPE FRANCIS
May 13, 2015
“The Lord asks for permission to enter. Before doing anything in the family, let's not forget to say, 'Do you mind if I do this? Do you prefer if I do it this way?' It's a respectful way to speak, full of love.”
The other key point on which Pope Francis has focused is the pastoral care of marriage. This means teaching lay people and priests to accompany couples on their journey, especially through difficult moments.
POPE FRANCIS
January 29, 2018
“We must prevent the conscience of the faithful in difficulty, as regards their marriage, from closing them off from a path of grace. This goal is achieved through pastoral accompaniment and the discernment of consciences.”
Lastly, Pope Francis has denounced perceptions of life that negatively influence perceptions of marriage.
POPE FRANCIS
October 29, 2016
“There's an ongoing world war to destroy marriage. Today there is an ideological colonization that destroys. It destroys, not with weapons, but with ideas. We must defend ourselves against this ideological colonization.”
The year dedicated to the Amoris Laetitia apostolic exhortation is meant to be a time to reflect on this papal document. It will begin on March 19, which marks five years since its publication.
Javier Romero
Translation: CT
