(-ONLY VIDEO-) Pope Francis concluded his catechesis series on marriage and the family, as he led his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square.
He spoke about the importance of the family unit, precisely on the eve of the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia. It's through marriage and the family, he explained, that more humane political, economic and social structures come about in society.
SUMMARY OF CATECHESIS IN ENGLISH:
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Today we conclude our series of catecheses on marriage and the family, on the eve of two significant international events: the World Meeting of Families, to be held next week in Philadelphia, and the Synod of Bishops here in Rome. In these past months, guided by Godâ??s Word, we have reflected on the perennial value of the covenant between man and woman for the future of the entire human family.
In the Creatorâ??s plan, marriage and the family have an essential role in shaping an ever more humane political, economic and social life. This role is all the more critical today, in a society increasingly subject to technology and to forms of economic colonization which subordinate ethics to profits. From the beginning, God entrusted his creation to man and woman.
Despite our rejection of his original blessing, he continues to watch over our efforts to make this world our common home. In a special way, by the coming of Jesus his Son, he has maintained his promise (cf. Gen 3:15) to bless and protect us in every generation. May families everywhere come to know this blessing!
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Speaker: I greet the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in todayâ??s Audience, including those from Great Britain, Ireland, Denmark, Norway, Malta, Croatia, Kenya, South Africa, Australia, China, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Canada and the United States of America. Upon all of you, and your families, I invoke an abundance of joy and peace in the Lord Jesus. God bless you all!
