The Pope emphasized that the family remains the “first cell of society” and a vital school of humanity while acknowledging the growing trend to undervalue or reject marriage
Newsroom (24/10/2025, Gaudium Press ) In an address to faculty and students of the Pontifical John Paul II Theological Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family, Pope Leo XIV passionately reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to sustaining, defending, and promoting the family as the foundation of social and spiritual life. Speaking on Friday morning, the Holy Father emphasized that the family remains the “first cell of society” and a vital school of humanity, urging concerted efforts to support it across diverse global contexts.
“Everywhere and always, we are called to sustain, defend, and promote the family,” Pope Leo declared, underscoring that this mission requires a way of life aligned with the Gospel. He highlighted the transformative power of the Gospel, which he said “commits us to promote organic and concerted actions in support of the family.” In a world often driven by productivity and speed, the Pope called for restoring “time and space to the love that is learned in the family,” emphasizing that a society’s quality is measured by how it enables families to thrive and nurture their bonds.
Upholding the Dignity of Motherhood
Reflecting on the sacredness of human life, Pope Leo invoked the words of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who spoke tenderly of the joy of bringing new life into the world. “Human life is a gift and must always be welcomed with respect, care, and gratitude,” he said, expressing concern for mothers facing pregnancy in solitude or marginalization. He urged both civil and ecclesial communities to restore the “full dignity” of motherhood through concrete policies ensuring adequate living and working conditions, as well as pastoral care that offers closeness and support.
“Motherhood and fatherhood are by no means burdens weighing upon society, but rather a hope that strengthens and renews it,” the Holy Father affirmed, calling for cultural and formative initiatives that celebrate the beauty of family life.
Family and the Church’s Social Doctrine
The Pope encouraged the Institute to deepen the connection between the family and the Church’s social doctrine, proposing a dual approach: integrating the family as a core chapter in the Church’s social teachings and enriching those teachings with insights from family experiences. This approach, he noted, aligns with the Second Vatican Council’s vision of the family as the “original and fundamental school of humanity.”
Addressing contemporary challenges, Pope Leo acknowledged the growing trend in some regions to undervalue or reject marriage. He urged the faithful to remain attentive to God’s grace working in the hearts of young people, even when their choices diverge from Church teachings. “The Lord continues to knock at the door of their hearts, preparing them to receive a new interior call,” he said, encouraging prayerful theological research to find “new words capable of touching deeply the consciences of the young.”
A Call to Synodal Listening
The Pope emphasized the importance of the synodal journey in the Institute’s mission, particularly in its international context. With sessions in Rome, the United States, Mexico, Spain, Brazil, Benin, India, and beyond, the Pontifical John Paul II Theological Institute fosters a global perspective on marriage and family. “It is necessary to practice mutual listening in order to discern better how to grow together in the service of marriage and the family,” he said, noting that family life offers profound lessons in faith, love, peace, and care for the planet.
A Message of Hope
Concluding his remarks, Pope Leo XIV urged students and faculty to embark on the new academic year with hope, trusting in the guidance of the Holy Spirit. “The Lord Jesus always sustains us with the grace of his Spirit of truth and life,” he said, inspiring those gathered to continue their work with dedication and prayer.
The Pontifical John Paul II Theological Institute, established by Pope Francis in 2017, builds on the legacy of its predecessor, founded in 1982. With a global network spanning multiple continents, the Institute remains a beacon for theological reflection on marriage and family, fostering education sensitive to cultural and global challenges.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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