The family «more than a theme, but it is life, the daily fabric, a path for generations through which is transmitted the faith, along with love and with fundamental moral values; it is concrete solidarity, hard work, patience, and also a project, a hope, a future. All of this—which the Christian community lives in the light of faith, hope and charity—is never kept for its own sake, but every day it becomes leaven in the dough of society, for the greater common good» (Message to the Social Weeks).

 

«If, in our hearts, there is no mercy, no joy of forgiveness, we are not in communion with God, even if we observe all His commandments, because it is love that saves, not only the practice of his commandments. Only love for God and one’s neighbor accomplishes all the commandments» (Angelus on Sunday September 15 th).

 

Hospitality—in reference to cohabiting couples—is to be exercised, but in the truth. «The truth must always be told», not just in the dogmatic sense of the word, but in the context of «love and God’s fullness». The priest must «accompany» people. We just need to think, says Francis, about the disciples of Emmaus, how «the Lord walked at their side and warmed their hearts». Pope Francis invites his priests to take «boldly creative roads». He cites examples of initiatives in Buenos Aires, like the opening of a number of churches throughout the day with the availability of a confessor or the launching of personal formation for couples who intend to get married but can’t attend the pre-marriage courses because of their long working hours. The “existential suburbs” are the priority, like “those of the families” of which Pope Benedict XVI talked about several times while speaking on theme of second marriages. Our duty, he says, is «to find another way in justice» (Meeting with the priests of Rome).

The Pope’s texts: