Costa Rica, one of the most stable countries in Central America, is experiencing—as the country’s Bishops said during their meeting with Card. Farrell at the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life—a moment of transformation from many points of view. As in all countries in this region, the problems related to spreading narco-trafficking, widespread violence, and migration are growing. All this undermines the country’s social cohesion and ultimately also weakens the family ties which, as elsewhere, are increasingly crisis-prone.

In fact, the number of separations, divorces, and marital unions is growing; and it is increasingly difficult for young people to make life-long choices.

In this context, the Costa Rican Church has welcomed the Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia as an opportunity to respond in a new way and not give up in face of the challenges that the contemporary world poses to families. The Bishops described the awakening of the country’s laity and families. “We have a host of laypeople committed to the Gospel!” said Msgr. Ulloa Rosas, Bishop of Cartago and head of the Episcopal Conference’s office for the family.

The Costa Rican Church is also preparing in a special way—given its geographical proximity—to live the next World Youth Day in Panama, by making this event a decisive meeting for all young people in Central America. “We hope that the warmth of that meeting—said Msgr. Fernández Guillén, President of the Bishops’ Conference—will also warm up the youth of our country.”