Pope Leo XIV to Convene Global Bishops to Revisit ‘Amoris Laetitia’ and Family Pastoral Care

Vatican City, March 2026 : A decade after Pope Francis issued the widely discussed apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia, Pope Leo XIV has announced a global meeting of bishops to reflect on its relevance and application in today’s changing social context.

The pope revealed that presidents of bishops’ conferences from around the world will gather in Rome this October for what he described as a process of “synodal discernment.” The aim is to explore how best to proclaim the Gospel to families in the modern era, guided by the teachings of Amoris Laetitia, a landmark document on marriage and family life published in 2016.

The document followed two major synods held at the Vatican in 2014 and 2015, which were marked by intense debate, particularly on the issue of divorce and the participation of divorced and remarried Catholics in the Church. A controversial footnote in Amoris Laetitia suggested that, in certain cases, such individuals could receive Communion—an approach that differed from earlier teachings which required them to live as brother and sister.

Clarifying the purpose of the upcoming meeting, Pope Leo XIV noted that it is separate from the ongoing Synod on Synodality, which is set to conclude its implementation phase in 2028. Instead, the October gathering will focus specifically on renewing pastoral approaches to family life.

In a message issued on March 19, the pope emphasized that rapid societal changes have made it even more important for the Church to engage with families. He described Amoris Laetitia as a “luminous message of hope” that highlights the beauty and strength of conjugal love and family bonds.

Recalling the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, Pope Leo reiterated that the family remains the foundation of society and a vital space for human growth and formation. He also referenced earlier Church teachings, including Familiaris Consortio by Pope John Paul II, noting that both documents have significantly shaped the Church’s commitment to supporting families.

The pope stressed that families play a central role in the Church’s mission, especially in areas where the faith is primarily lived and shared by laypeople. He called for renewed efforts to support married couples and inspire young people to embrace the vocation of marriage.

Highlighting key themes from Amoris Laetitia, Pope Leo pointed to the importance of navigating family crises, fostering life-giving love within marriage, and adopting new pastoral methods suited to contemporary realities.

The upcoming gathering is expected to chart a path forward for the Church’s engagement with families, reaffirming its commitment to accompany them in an evolving world.