Pope Leo XIV addresses changing views on love, marriage, family

Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday called on the Catholic Church to reflect on how it can better support families as he opened a week-long global gathering marking the 10th anniversary of a major document issued by Pope Francis, AFP reported.

The closed-door meeting, taking place at the Vatican from October 7 to 14, brings together bishops from around 120 countries, leaders of Eastern Churches, experts, theologians and 11 lay couples for a mid-term assessment of the apostolic exhortation “Amoris Laetitia,” CE Report quotes AGERPRES.

Published in 2016, the document by Argentine Pope Francis, who died in 2025, cautiously opened the way for some divorced and civilly remarried Catholics to receive Communion, an issue that sparked intense debate within the Church and drew criticism from conservative Catholics.

Under Catholic teaching, a divorced Catholic who subsequently remarries in a civil ceremony remains bound by the first marriage unless it has been annulled and therefore generally cannot receive Communion. “Amoris Laetitia” introduced the possibility of considering individual cases without challenging the principle of the indissolubility of Catholic marriage.

In his opening address on Wednesday, Leo XIV did not directly address the issue but called on the Church to reflect on the “experience of fragility” and on providing support in “situations marked by limitations, wounds or apparent failures.”

Highlighting challenges including economic insecurity, migration, violence, loneliness and “emotional fragility,” the pope also addressed sexuality and fidelity among young couples.

“In certain contexts, a gap has emerged between the way sexuality and intimacy are experienced and the Christian vision of marriage,” Leo XIV said.

“Young people continue to desire love, fidelity and a sense of belonging, but many of them struggle to imagine how such a vision of love can take shape in their own lives,” he added.

The gathering will discuss five themes, including marriage and the challenges of family life, and could also address issues such as the inclusion of LGBT+ people within the Church.

The meeting is expected to conclude with the publication of a final report.

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