Pope Francis at Wednesday’s General Audience stressed that divorced and remarried Catholics are “still a part of the Church” even though “their unions are contrary to the Sacrament of marriage”.
Civilly remarried "are not, in fact, excommunicated – they are not excommunicated – and they absolutely must not be treated as if they were," Francis emphasised.
The Pope was resuming his catechesis on the family, after a summer break from his weekly audiences.
“As these situations especially affect children, we are aware of a greater urgency to foster a true welcome for these families in our communities. For how can we encourage these parents to raise their children in the Christian life, to give them an example of Christian faith, if we keep them at arm’s length?” he asked.
He stressed that his predecessors “have worked diligently to let these families know they are still a part of the Church”.
Acknowledging that “there is no easy solution for these situations” he said: “we can and must always encourage these families to participate in the Church’s life, through prayer, listening to the Word of God, the Christian education of their children, and service to the poor.”
The Church is always the “house of the Father, with doors wide open”, he said, adding: “May everyone, especially Christian families, imitate the Good Shepherd, who knows all his sheep and excludes no one from his infinite love.”
Above: Young people greet Pope Francis at this morning's General Audience in the Paul VI Hall. Photo: CNS/Reuters
Loading ...
