Pope Leo XIV announced on March 19 that he has invited the presidents of all bishops’ conferences worldwide to gather in Rome this October for renewed discussions on marriage and family, focusing on the teachings of “Amoris Laetitia.”
The announcement comes as the Church marks the tenth anniversary of “Amoris Laetitia,” Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation addressing pastoral care for families. The document was published following the Synods on the Family held in 2014 and 2015.
“In light of the changes that continue to impact families, I have decided to convene the presidents of the Episcopal Conferences from around the world in October 2026, in an effort to proceed, in mutual listening, to a synodal discernment on the steps to be taken in order to proclaim the Gospel to families today, in light of Amoris Laetitia and taking into account what is currently being done in the local Churches,” Pope Leo said. He added, “I entrust this journey to the intercession of Saint Joseph, guardian of the Holy Family of Nazareth.”
“Amoris Laetitia,” which means “The Joy of Love,” was signed by Pope Francis on March 19, 2016. The document covers topics such as married life, children, extended family, education, and pastoral challenges. It also addresses how wounded or marginalized families can be integrated into Church life.
Pope Leo explained that rapid changes affecting families require renewed pastoral attention. “Our era is marked by rapid changes which make it necessary, even more than ten years ago, to give particular pastoral attention to families, to whom the Lord entrusts the task of participating in the Church’s mission of proclaiming and witnessing to the Gospel,” he said. He also noted that there are “places and circumstances in which the Church ‘can become the salt of the earth’ only through the lay faithful and, in particular, through families.” For this reason, he called for a deepened commitment so those called to marriage can fully live out their vocation.
When first released, “Amoris Laetitia” received mixed reactions. While many Church leaders praised its focus on improving pastoral care for families, some criticized ambiguities related especially to divorced Catholics who remarry without annulments and their reception of Communion. Debate among theologians and leaders continues over these issues.
Pope Leo described “Amoris Laetitia” as “a luminous message of hope regarding conjugal love and family life” and said both it and St. John Paul II’s earlier exhortation “strengthened the Church’s doctrinal and pastoral commitment.” He concluded: “On this 10th anniversary, we give thanks to the Lord for the stimulus that has encouraged reflection and pastoral conversion in the Church, and ask God for courage to persevere on this path.”
