Pope Francis highlighted the essential role of the Holy Spirit in building and sustaining a strong marriage during his General Audience in St. Peter’s Square. Drawing from St. Augustine’s doctrine, the Pope explained that the Holy Spirit “illuminates the sacrament of marriage” and unites spouses in love.
In the Trinity, the Father represents love, the Son is the beloved, and the Holy Spirit embodies the love that unites them. This divine unity serves as a model for Christian marriage, where spouses form a “we” through self-giving and mutual love. The Pope stressed that children benefit greatly from their parents’ unity, while separation can cause suffering.
To achieve this unity, marriage requires the support of the Holy Spirit, “the Gift” that enables self-giving and rebirth. The Pope acknowledged that building a strong marriage on rock rather than sand can be challenging, but it aligns with God’s design and natural order.