Marking the tenth anniversary of Pope Francis’ landmark Apostolic Exhortation Amoris laetitia, Pope Leo XIV addressed Catholic leaders on Wednesday, October 7, at the Vatican. Opening a week-long international gathering, the Pope called on Bishops and Church leaders from around the world to share their local experiences, assess the document’s impact over the past decade, and courageously confront the modern challenges, trials, and fragilities that families face today.
The meeting, titled “Ten years after Amoris laetitia: proclaiming the Gospel with families today,” was convoked by Pope Leo XIV on March 19, 2026. Taking place in the Paul VI Audience Hall from October 7 to 14, the event brings together the heads of Eastern Catholic Churches and Presidents of Bishops’ Conferences. The program features plenary sessions, group discussions, and prayer times, culminating in a Mass celebrated by the Pope and the release of a comprehensive summary report detailing the findings of the assembly.
In his opening address, Pope Leo expressed his hope that the various cultural contexts and stories brought by the participants would weave a shared narrative of joy and hope while enabling an honest assessment of remaining pastoral difficulties. He emphasized that the Church’s ongoing focus on marriage and family builds directly upon the foundation of the Second Vatican Council, specifically referencing the Pastoral Constitution Gaudium et Spes, which recognized family life as a vital lens for understanding broader cultural, economic, social, and political issues.
Highlighting the unique role of families in the Church’s broader mission, Pope Leo reminded delegates that in many places, the Church can truly serve as the “salt of the earth” primarily through the lay faithful and family units. By reflecting on the fruits and questions raised since the publication of Amoris laetitia, he urged Church leaders to renew their commitment to guiding and accompanying families through their most fragile moments.