Pope Francis concludes catecheses on the Family
(Vatican Radio) During his General Audience on Wednesday, Pope Francis concluded his series of reflections on the family. The Holy Father said, “We are on the eve of beautiful and challenging events, which are directly joined to this great theme: the World Meeting of families in Philadelphia, and the Synod of Bishops here in Rome.” Both events, he continued, “have a worldwide breath, which corresponds to the universal dimension of Christianity, but also to the universal scope of this fundamental and irreplaceable human community, which is precisely the family.”
Below, please find the English-language summary of Pope Francis’ catechesis at Wednesday’s General Audience:
Dear Brothers and Sisters: Today we conclude our series of catecheses on marriage and the family, on the eve of two significant international events: the World Meeting of Families, to be held next week in Philadelphia, and the Synod of Bishops here in Rome. In these past months, guided by God’s Word, we have reflected on the perennial value of the covenant between man and woman for the future of the entire human family. In the Creator’s plan, marriage and the family have an essential role in shaping an ever more humane political, economic and social life. This role is all the more critical today, in a society increasingly subject to technology and to forms of economic colonization which subordinate ethics to profits. From the beginning, God entrusted His creation to man and woman. Despite our rejection of His original blessing, He continues to watch over our efforts to make this world our common home. In a special way, by the coming of Jesus His Son, He has maintained His promise (cf. Gen 3:15) to bless and protect us in every generation. May families everywhere come to know this blessing!