The apostolic exhortation “Amoris Laetitia” is the longest document of its kind; Pope Francis says that he “does not recommend a rushed reading,” and that “the greatest benefit … will come if each part is read patiently and carefully.” In my series of reflections, I have tried to highlight some of the document’s most significant themes and now, in this final piece, I wish to specifically address several of the Holy Father’s recommendations, and the response the archdiocese is making, or has made, to each.

In these articles reviewing Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation “Amoris Laetitia,” I have made reference to the relativistic culture in which we live, which tells us, in effect, that we create our own reality.

Pope Francis in “Amoris Laetitia,” as well as in both of the recent Synods on the Family, discussed at length a difficult reality of modern life: divorce and remarriage. Since Catholics frequently have misunderstandings about Church teaching on these issues, I think it important to address them here, to the extent that this brief format will allow.

In “Amoris Laetitia,” Pope Francis notes the difficulties as well as the joys facing couples and families today. In this article I would like to address one of the most common questions of married life in our time, namely, that of the spacing of children within the spouses’ years of fertility in their marriage.

In my first reflection on “Amoris Laetitia” (the Joy of Love), I wrote of our Christian understanding of human nature, that we are made for love – to love and be loved – and are not primarily solitary individuals but fundamentally social beings, made for union and communion with others, and ultimately with God in heaven.

The Christian proclamation on the family is good news indeed.” These words are among the opening statements of Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia (the Joy of Love). An Apostolic Exhortation is the document issued by the Pope following on a Synod of Bishops which recapitulates and gives direction to the deliberations of the participating bishops, a sort of universal pastoral plan for the specific topic treated at the Synod affecting the life and ministry of the Church. Amoris Laeititia, the longest such document yet, follows up on the Synods on the Family of 2014 and 2015.