Pope Francis on Sunday launches a major review of Catholic teaching on the family that could have far-reaching implications for the Church’s attitude to marriage, cohabitation and divorce.
An extraordinary synod, or meeting, of nearly 200 bishops from around the world and a sprinkling of lay Catholics will, for the next two weeks, address the huge gulf between what the Church says on these issues and what tens of millions of believers actually do.
Addressing tens of thousands of believers in St Peter’s square on the eve of the synod on Saturday night, Francis said the synod could open the door to a “renewal of the Church and society.”
Since becoming pontiff just over 18 months ago, Francis has repeatedly highlighted the “wounds” caused by family breakdown in modern society, while suggesting the Church needs to adapt to this new reality.
“The wounds have to be treated with mercy. The Church is a mother, not a customs office, coldly checking who is within the rules,” he has said, in an allusion to the many divorced people, cohabiting couples and single mothers within the ranks of the Church.
Pope Francis underlined where he stands last month by personally marrying 20 Roman couples, some of whom had been “living in sin” prior to their weddings.
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