Guwahati, March 21, 2026: Pope Leo XIV has called for renewed pastoral commitment to families as the Church marks the tenth anniversary of the post-synodal Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia.
In his message issued on March 19, 2026, the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, the Holy Father invited the universal Church to continue the path of reflection, discernment, and pastoral conversion inspired by the document promulgated by Pope Francis in 2016.
The Pope recalled that Amoris Laetitia emerged from years of synodal discernment and remains a guiding document for the Church’s mission to support married couples, families, and young people. He emphasised that the family is a “domestic Church” and continues to be the foundation of society and a vital space for the transmission of faith.
Highlighting the importance of listening, Pope Leo XIV stressed that the Church must engage families directly, recognising their joys, challenges, and struggles. He encouraged pastoral approaches that accompany, discern, and integrate human fragility, while promoting the growth of love within family life.
The message also underlined the need for renewed pastoral methods in response to rapid cultural and social changes affecting families today. The Pope called for greater attention to family ministry, especially in addressing situations of poverty, violence, and social instability.
Expressing gratitude to families who live their vocation with faith and perseverance, he acknowledged the role of pastors, lay faithful, and ecclesial movements engaged in family ministry.
Looking ahead, Pope Leo XIV announced that he will convene the presidents of Episcopal Conferences worldwide in October 2026. The gathering aims to undertake a process of synodal discernment on how best to proclaim the Gospel to families in today’s context, in light of Amoris Laetitia and the lived experience of local Churches.
The Pope entrusted this renewed journey to the intercession of Saint Joseph, guardian of the Holy Family, and called on the Church to continue witnessing to the beauty of marriage and family life.