Reflecting on Pope Francis’ Legacy for Marriage and Family
Pope Francis’ pontificate has been a beacon of mercy, calling the Church to reach out to those on the margins, including individuals and families navigating complex personal circumstances outside traditional Church teachings. Through landmark documents like Amoris Laetitia and heartfelt conversations, he invited all to experience God’s merciful embrace.
In late 2015, his dedication to promoting the God’s mercy manifested in the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, urging Catholics to deepen their relationship with the merciful Father through repentance and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This theme of mercy resurfaced in 2024 in the Extraordinary Jubilee of Hope, reinforcing his vision of a Church that welcomes all.
Pope Francis boldly engaged with those grappling with challenging Church teachings, particularly on sexuality and gender. He critiqued the “ideological colonisation” of developing nations, where powerful economies often prioritise contraception over maternal care or promote secular sex education over foundational literacy. He expressed concern about transgender ideology, viewing it as a rejection of God’s creative design. Yet, while he challenged institutions and political elites for disregarding cultural values, he remained profoundly compassionate toward individuals striving to align their lives with God’s law. Known for personally responding to letters from those in complex family situations, he encouraged them to seek God’s mercy and lean into their faith.
At the heart of Pope Francis’ legacy lies his commitment to marriage and family as vital to the Church’s mission. Early in his pontificate, he convened a two-year Synod on the Family, fostering global consultation and dialogue. The resulting apostolic exhortation, Amoris Laetitia (“The Joy of Love”), offered a pastoral vision for families, celebrating the richness of family life while acknowledging its challenges. Moving beyond an idealised model, it calls for accompaniment and care, especially for those in difficult situations, and explores the everyday beauty of love within families.
Amoris Laetitia affirms the indissoluble, sacramental nature of marriage and the gift of children, urging families to grow continually in their capacity to love. It champions the fruitfulness of married love while advocating for pastoral accompaniment to restore hope in those facing challenges. In a much-discussed footnote, Pope Francis addressed the difficult issue of pastoral care for those remarried without an annulment, seeking a pastoral pathway between upholding marital permanence and offering compassionate guidance—a testament to his willingness to tackle complex issues without diluting Church teaching.
Debate also followed the publication of Fiducia Supplicans (2023), which allows blessings for couples in irregular situations, such as those in same-sex unions, remarried couples without an annulment, civilly married and cohabiting couples. Seeking to uphold Church teaching on marriage while being pastorally responsive, the document required that such blessings should be spontaneous and be a blessing of the individuals rather than their morally problematic union.
In 2022, the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, under Pope Francis’ guidance, released Catechumenal Pathways for Married Life. This document, inspired by Amoris Laetitia, reimagines marriage preparation as a journey akin to the catechumenate for adult converts. Rather than a once-and-done course, it proposes ongoing formation, extending support into the early years of marriage when couples often face significant adjustments. This approach integrates relationship science, theology, and spirituality, emphasising the roles of clergy, professionals, and married couples in accompanying those preparing for marriage, newlyweds, and families in crisis.
Beyond his focus on couples, Pope Francis championed the role of the elderly in family and society. In 2021, he established the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, celebrated annually near the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus. Through his reflections and homilies, he decried the marginalisation of older generations, affirming their wisdom and faith as invaluable to our communities.
Evangelisation is a cornerstone of all these initiatives, highlighting the need for practical strategies to support families. Pope Francis envisioned a Church that walks alongside couples and families, fostering hope and resilience through community that seeks ever deeper relationship with the Lord.
Building on the foundations laid by Popes Saint John Paul II and Benedict XVI, Pope Francis translated theological ideals into practical pastoral care. He embraced the messiness of this task with courage, holding fast to the beauty and truth of Church teaching while inviting the Faithful to accompany those in need. His legacy is a call to live out God’s extravagant mercy in our families and communities while striving to deepen faith and follow teachings that for many are demanding. May he rest in the embrace of our heavenly Father, surrounded by the family of saints.
