In his speech at the Forum of Italian family associations, the Pope invited Christian families to be “rooted in their homeland and at the same time open to the world”.
(Vatican News Network)The family is a “gift of joy that inspires gratitude”. Pope Francis said this when he received the Forum of Italian Family Associations on 2 December. He thanked these associations for giving a voice to families in Italy. That “is not a voice of denunciation, but a constructive voice; not an ideological voice, but a voice that knows how to interpret the needs of families”.
The Pope first of all praised the members of the Association for “bearing witness to the joy of the family”, which is the central message of the Apostolic Exhortation “Joy of love”. In a happy family, not everything goes smoothly and without problems. “Families, as we know, have good times and bad times. However, in all these situations there can be joy, because joy is at a deeper level, it is born from one’s family identity”. The family is a gift “with an intimate sense of gratitude”.
There is no single model for the family. “Every family has its own journey and experience,” the Pope said, and many families make an effort to move forward, not following a secular model, but a “style” of simplicity and service.
The Pope also encourages “good policies for and with families”. The pope urged those present to have an open and understanding approach, seeking the “public interest”.
Christian families should not sweep their own door. The characteristics of a Christian family are openness, acceptance and support, and it begins with the neighbours. “The family is called to be an element of fraternity and human friendship, rooted in the homeland and at the same time open to the world”.
Referring to the phenomenon of low fertility, the Pope asked that the issue be placed on the political agenda. “You don’t condemn just one issue. It’s that easy. Try to follow its development and make concrete proposals,” the Pope told the crowd.
The Pope concluded by encouraging spouses and families to take care of each other. They must find time for prayer, conversation, community life in the Church and “time to play with the children”.
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