FAMILY
The Dicastery promotes the pastoral ministry of marriage and the family based upon the Church's Magisterium, working to ensure that the rights and duties of spouses and the family are recognized in the Church itself, as well as in society, the economy and politics. In this regard, it organizes and supports international meetings and events. It also follows the activities of national and international Catholic institutes, associations, movements and organizations whose purpose is to serve the good of the family.
With the support of the Bishops' Conferences and the Eastern Churches, the Dicastery examines the variety of anthropological, social, cultural and economic conditions of family life.
Assisted by experts, the Dicastery studies and investigates the causes of crises in marriages and families, gathering and promoting models of pastoral accompaniment, formation of consciences and the integration for civilly remarried divorcees as well as for those who, in some cultures, live in situations of polygamy.
To achieve these goals, the Dicastery collaborates with the Pontifical Theological Institute “John Paul II” for Marriage and the Family Sciences.
News
Families in Brazil
The Secretary, Father Awi Mello, writes to the participants of Brazil’s XV Diocesan Congress on Family Pastoral Ministry
“I heartily wish that you continue, with conviction and without becoming discouraged, to propose the beauty of God’s plan for the family and boldly face its great challenges.” Father Alexandre Awi ...
Nicaragua
Ad Limina Visit of Nicaragua’s Bishops
On the morning of Monday, September 11th, during the visit “to the See” of the Apostles, Nicaragua’s Bishops were received at the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life. The Bishops of the country’s ...
The John Paul II Institute
The John Paul II Institute’s offer of formation for the new academic year
Ten proposals, including licentiates, doctorates, and masters, to “to deepen the knowledge of the truth about marriage and the family, in the light of faith and with the help of the different human ...