ROME (AP) – Pope Francis proclaimed Sunday a next year dedicated to the family, as he doubled one of his papal priorities and called for renewed attention to his controversial 2016 document on family life.
Francis announced that next year the family would begin March 19, the fifth anniversary of his document “The Joy of Love.” Among other things, the document opened the door to allow divorced and civilly married couples to receive communion, provoking criticism and even claims of heresy from conservative Catholics.
Francis wrote the paper after convening bishops around the world to discuss how the Catholic Church can better minister to families. While the issue of divorce and marriage again dominated the headlines during consecutive synods, the discussion also sought to minister to gays and other “non-traditional” families.
Francis made the remarks during Sunday’s noon blessing, delivered from inside his study to prevent people from gathering in St. Peter’s Square below, as part of the Vatican’s anti-virus precautions.
In making the announcement, Francis offered some kind advice from the pope to disputed families, reminding them to say, “Forgive me, thank you, and apologize” and never end the day without making peace.
“Because the cold war of the next day is dangerous,” he joked.