One hundred and eighty Synod Fathers took part in the II General Congregation of the Extraordinary Synod of the Family on Monday afternoon, and so real debate began. Among the many observations that emerged in the course of the discussions in the aula, in the presence of the Holy Father, was strong insistence on the principle of graduality, already endorsed by the Second Vatican Council and applied to the relations with other religions. In fact, according to some Synod Fathers, "even imperfect situations must be considered with respect: for instance, de facto unions in which couples live together with fidelity and love present elements of sanctification and truth. It is therefore essential to look first and foremost at the positive elements, so that the Synod may infuse with courage and hope even imperfect forms of family, so that their value may be recognized, according to the principle of graduality."