The Joy of Love: Amoris Laetitia

The Joy of Love (Amoris Laetitia) is the post-synodal apostolic exhortation on love in the family by Pope Francis. It is the conclusion of a two-year process discussing both the beauty and the challenges of family life, and a springboard for every member of the Church to discover anew what it means to live and truly love as the family of God in the world today.

Called a "love letter to the church," it invites everyone, especially married couples and families, to continual growth in their response to Christ and to one another. Coming from the heart of a pastor unafraid to focus on how to accompany families on their blessed and yet challenging journey of married life, it emphasizes a need for compassion and for examining the context of a person's situation rather than applying doctrine in the abstract.

While it offers no change in official Church teaching, it encourages pastors to walk among their people, listening to their stories and their hearts to offer guidance, support, and prayer.