Meeting concludes on anniversary of "Amoris lætitia"

A meeting of families marking the tenth anniversary of the apostolic exhortation Amoris lætitia ended on October 14. The gathering, organized by Léon XIV in Rome, brought together members of the Church to reflect on the developments since Pope Francis published the exhortation in 2016.

Focus on marriage and evangelization

Alex and Maud Lauriot-Prévost, laypeople involved in evangelization and missionary training, emphasized the priority of marriage pastoral care. They argued that the central task is to proclaim the Gospel through families themselves, with the support and collaboration of couples and families.

Pope presides over event

The meeting, led by Pope Francis, was titled Announcing the Gospel with families today. It focused on the evangelization of couples and families, encouraging them to work together in spreading the message of the Gospel.

Key questions posed at opening

At the start of the meeting, Léon XIV raised questions about the gap between the lived experience of sexual intimacy and the Christian vision of marriage. He also asked whether couples understand the Gospel of marriage as "good news" that can transform lives.

Exhortation's core teachings

Amoris lætitia highlights the importance of welcoming, listening, and accompanying people, especially those with wounds or difficult situations. It calls for testifying to God's love and mercy, but also for opening paths toward healing and transformation.

Call for future improvements

Ten years after the exhortation, there is a need to better translate its message in the future. This includes preaching to couples, training those involved in family pastoral care, and implementing practical initiatives, as seen in programs in France like the Diocesan Days of Engaged Couples.

Challenges faced by couples

Many young people and couples seek love and a faithful relationship but feel hindered by wounded families, separations, and a lack of stable models. Cardinal Mario Grech, general secretary of the Synod, urged the Church to understand the lived experiences and needs of modern people in the light of the Gospel.

Need for pastoral conversion

When families lack a conjugal culture rooted in the Gospel, the Church must help them acquire it. This requires changing pastoral practices, such as preparing young people for love life and helping couples navigate the challenges of marriage, prayer, and sexuality.

Families as the domestic Church

The transformation of family life must happen not just "for" families, but also "with" them. The family is described as a domestic Church, where love, forgiveness, and faith are learned and practiced, rather than being an extension of the parish.

Gospel vision of love and marriage

The Christian view of love and marriage presents good news: love can grow beyond emotion, fidelity is a liberating promise, and sexuality can become a language of communion. However, Amoris lætitia reminds the Church that it is not made up of perfect couples, and must be close to wounded families.

Church called to return to fundamentals

Ten years after Amoris lætitia, the Church is urged to return to its core teachings and more resolutely proclaim the Gospel of marriage. For every couple and family, a path of life and blessing is always possible, according to the message of the exhortation.