Nothing has been more hotly debated during the five years of this pontificate than Pope Francis’ family life document, Amoris Laetitia, which he issued following two dramatic synod of bishops gatherings in 2014 and 2015. 

Almost two years since he published his apostolic exhortation, the disagreement continues, particularly over its cautious opening to Communion for divorced and remarried Catholics in some circumstances. It has led to cardinals threatening to correct the Pope, to accusations that Francis is allowing the spread of heresy and to fears in some quarters that church teaching on marriage is being watered down. Cardinals and bishops continue to offer different judgements over whether remarried divorcees can be admitted to the sacraments: the debate isn’t going away.