ROME (AP) – Pope Francis on Sunday proclaimed a future year dedicated to the family, while reducing his focus on one of his papal priorities and calling for renewed attention to his controversial 2016 document on family life.
Francis announced that next year, the family will 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, provoking criticism and even claims of heresy from conservative Catholics.
Francis wrote the document after convening bishops around the world to discuss how the Catholic Church can better serve families. While the issue of divorce-remarriage dominated headlines during back-to-back synods, the discussion also touched on the service of gay people and other “non-traditional” families.
Francis made the comments during his Sunday lunch blessing, delivered from inside his studio to prevent people from gathering in St. Peter’s Square below, as part of the Vatican’s anti-virus precautions.
Making the announcement, Francis offered some friendly papal advice to the quarreling families, reminding them to say “forgive me, thank you and I’m sorry” and never end the day without making peace.
“Because the Cold War the next day is dangerous,” he said.