The following questions and answers may help to focus on some important points of Amoris Laetitia (AL), “The Joy of Love: On Love in the Family”, the Exhortation written by Pope Francis after the two Synods of Bishops on that topic in October, 2014 and October, 2015. This is the first in a series of questions and answers.
What’s new in this exhortation, Amoris Laetitia?
Amoris Laetitia draws on a long history of Church teaching and a very intense Synod experience. It draws on both new and old. What’s new above all is an attitude of accompaniment. Pope Francis, like his pre- decessors, recognizes the complexity of modern family life, but he puts an added emphasis on the need for the Church and her ministers to be close to people no matter what their situation might be or how far from the Church they might feel: to understand, to accompany, to integrate, and to have their arms open especially for anyone who is hurting. (AL 311)
Amoris Laetitia is not simply a theoretical text with no connection to people’s real problems. The very title suggests the positive thrust of the document. It continually offers concrete reminders of the beauty of family life, despite all the challenges this vocation can entail. Pope Francis writes eloquently about how forming a family means being part of God’s dream, joining him in building a world “where no one will feel alone.” (AL 320)