ROME (AP) – Pope Francis on Sunday proclaimed a next year dedicated to the family, by focusing on one of his papal priorities and renewing attention to his controversial 2016 document on family life.
Francisco announced that the family’s next year would begin on March 19, the fifth anniversary of his document “The joy of love”. Among other things, the document opened the door to allow divorced and civilly remarried couples to receive communion, generating criticism and even claims of heresy on the part of conservative Catholics.
Francis wrote the document after calling on bishops from around the world to debate how the Catholic Church can better minister to families. Although the issue of divorce-remarriage has dominated the headlines during consecutive synods, the discussion has also touched on the ministry to gays and other “non-traditional” families.
Francisco made the comments during his Sunday noon blessing, delivered from inside his studio to prevent people from gathering in St. Peter’s Square as part of the Vatican’s anti-virus precautions.
In making the announcement, Francisco offered some friendly papal advice to the fighting families, reminding them to say “forgiveness, thanks and sorry” and never ending the day without making up.
“Because the Cold War the next day is dangerous,” he joked.