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Amoris Laetitia

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Pope Francis' Apostolic Exhortation The Joy of Love: On Love in the Family is appreciated as an aid to reflection, dialogue and pastoral practice, and as a help and encouragement to families in their daily commitments and challenges.

This Exhortation is especially timely in this Jubilee Year of Mercy. First, because it represents an invitation to Christian families to value the gifts of marriage and the family, and to persevere in a love strengthened by the virtues of generosity, commitment, fidelity and patience. Second, because it seeks to encourage everyone to be a sign of mercy and closeness wherever family life remains imperfect or lacks peace and joy.

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First published April 8, 2016

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Pope Francis

1,327 books999 followers
Pope Francis (Latin: Franciscus; Italian: Francesco; Spanish: Francisco; born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 17 December 1936) was the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, a title he held ex officio as Bishop of Rome, and Sovereign of the Vatican City. He chose Francis as his papal name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi. Francis was the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, the first from the Southern Hemisphere and the first non-European pope since the Syrian Gregory III, who died in 741.

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Bergoglio worked briefly as a chemical technologist and nightclub bouncer before beginning seminary studies. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1969 and from 1973 to 1979 was Argentina's provincial superior of the Society of Jesus. He was accused of handing two priests to the National Reorganization Process during the Dirty War, but the lawsuit was ultimately dismissed. He became the Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and was created a cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II. He led the Argentine Church during the December 2001 riots in Argentina, and the administrations of Néstor Kirchner and Cristina Fernández de Kirchner considered him a political rival. Following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI on 28 February 2013, a papal conclave elected Bergoglio as his successor on 13 March.

Throughout his public life, Pope Francis had been noted for his humility, emphasis on God's mercy, concern for the poor, and commitment to interfaith dialogue. He was credited with having a humble, less formal approach to the papacy than his predecessors, for instance choosing to reside in the Domus Sanctae Marthae guesthouse rather than in the papal apartments of the Apostolic Palace used by his predecessors. In addition, due to both his Jesuit and Ignatian aesthetic, he was known for favoring simpler vestments void of ornamentation, including refusing the traditional papal mozzetta cape upon his election, choosing silver instead of gold for his piscatory ring, and keeping the same pectoral cross he had as Cardinal. He maintained that the church should be more open and welcoming. He did not support unbridled capitalism, Marxism, or Marxist versions of liberation theology. Francis maintained the traditional views of the church regarding abortion, euthanasia, contraception, homosexuality, ordination of women, and priestly celibacy. He opposed consumerism, irresponsible development, and supported taking action on climate change, a focus of his papacy with the promulgation of Laudato si'. In international diplomacy, he helped to restore full diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
Profile Image for Julie Davis.
Author 5 books320 followers
May 12, 2016
For those who feel this is too long to face, take heart. I didn't actually read the 264 page book formatted by the Vatican and released as a pdf. I was able to copy and paste it into my own document which came down to 50 pages. The pdf's tiny pages, large type, and big margins are what made it so long in published form.

I read it a little each day, finding it a complex, thoughtful, and rich work. It was especially interesting to consider that the Pope kept mentioning the other contributing bishops from the synods on the family. This is not just one person's vision. It is that of many of those who serve families around the world.

I especially liked, as John Allen remarked, that we are seeing some of the inner workings of pastoral care recommended in it.
For Mediterranean cultures, which still shape the thought-world of the Vatican to a significant degree, law is instead more akin to an ideal. It describes a moral aspiration, but realistically it’s understood that many people much of the time will fall short. (If you don’t believe it, come to Italy sometime and watch how the locals approach traffic laws!)

A frustration I’ve long experienced as an American journalist covering the Vatican is that when the pope or some Vatican department issues a new law, it often comes off as terribly draconian and harsh in media coverage and public discussion. It’s difficult to explain that always encoded into the legislation is the common-sense expectation that bishops and pastors will use good judgment in applying it in ways that reflect their local circumstances.

It’s difficult, that is, primarily because the Vatican never says that second part explicitly – perhaps out of fear that it will come off as encouraging hypocrisy, rather than presuming a good-faith effort to live up to the value the law expresses.

They don’t usually say it, that is, until now.

One striking point about Amoris Laetitia, Pope Francis’ sweeping new apostolic exhortation on the family, which was released in a Vatican news conference on Friday, is that it lifts up this long-standing Catholic capacity for flexibility and nuance in pastoral practice, and sets it squarely alongside the law in full public view.
Allen's whole piece is well worth reading but you get the important points.

It is that, perhaps, which makes Amoris Laetitia feel so timeless and also so relevant. It weaves high spiritual points with the basics of real human families. In fact, I was surprised to see that, in preparation for discussion love in marriage, Pope Francis discusses each line of St. Paul's famous "love is patient, love is kind" passage (1 Cor 13:4-7). I was delighted with Pope Francis's thoughtful and down-to-earth reflections.

I highly recommend it. It's just terrific.
Profile Image for Mary Alice.
169 reviews78 followers
April 25, 2016
Nothing like a letter from a pope to get extremes on both sides riled up. And the media misrepresenting whatever it is they read for whatever agenda is flavor of the week. I'm staying away from discussing the "hot controversial" topics the media obsess over because those topics are such a minuscule part of this letter and not nearly as "inflammatory" as they would like those who will never read this letter to believe. One innocuous complaint you hear is that this letter is too long. Well, I got news for ya, I read it in one week, and I'm a slow reader. Calling it long is just an excuse not to read it. It was quite an easy read with not much text on one page. Not nearly as long as a 275 page hardcover or paperback. I read the PdF file. It's one thing to respectfully disagree with someone on certain issues, and it's another to trash him because you just don't like him or his style and/or you feel threatened or you give into fear that the media fosters. This letter is filled with beauty, mercy, tenderness, and advice on how to love more like Jesus. It's mostly geared towards pastors, but anyone cane appreciate it and learn from it. My advice is if you want to complain about it, read it first, because many complain without reading a whole text. For Catholics who are worried he is going to "change" doctrine, no pope really can. And for those who want him to change doctrine, well, no pope really can. You can change approaches and tactics, but not doctrine. So for those freaking out over this letter, chill. The letter will let you down. And for those who just want to learn how to be a better person, you might find the letter worth a read. You might not agree with everything written, but you will not doubt Francis's sincerity and humanity. And for those who keep complaining about Francis's style--his talking off the cuff, his "ambigious"
answers, etc, let it go. Catholics believe the Holy Spirit chooses the pope, so if you really do believe that, let it go. Because God just might be up in heaven saying, "For crying out loud, He is not going to change. He is being himself, just like I made him to be." :)
Profile Image for MyLan.
95 reviews41 followers
May 25, 2018
Very beautiful. It even makes me want to get married which is unfortunate since I am #single
Profile Image for verbava.
1,145 reviews161 followers
October 31, 2017
довкола «летіції» багато галасу, але сама вона – тиха й лагідна. папа пише про сім'ї й подружжя, не зводячи одного до іншого, і про любов у сім'ях і подружжях (не зводячи подружньої любові до сексу, а сексу, що дуже втішно, наприклад, у контексті «теології тіла» йоана павла другого, – до розмноження). він наполягає на любові зрілій, освіченій, повній поваги до гідності любої особи й розуміння її автономії; пише, що для змістовного діалогу подружжям варто зокрема читати; наголошує, що чоловіча честь ні разу не страждає від миття посуду й догляду за дитиною. є окремі речі, щодо яких ми з папою не погоджуємося, але я розумію його точку зору, а він, імовірно, спокійно вислухав би мою. тож мене «летіція» таки радує.
проте, схоже, є купа людей, яким кортить до папи докопатися. наприклад, четверо кардиналів (двох із них цього року викликало до себе найвище начальство, і я не хочу нічого казати про небесні знаки, однак) зі своєю дубією й кількасот теологів, які не так давно підписали листа, де сказано, що папа, може, і не єретик, але єретичні погляди заохочує. і нехай у посланні – навіть, визнаймо, у тій контроверсійній примітці, на яку всі показують, – нема прямого тексту про причастя розлучених, але ж ми дорослі люди й усе розуміємо, wink-wink.
якби вони ще так уважно вдивлялися в решту тексту. або, якщо вже не вибірково не вдається, якби взяли на прапор оту ідею про читання чи про миття посуду.
Profile Image for Anne.
592 reviews
October 12, 2016
I was really changed by this. In some ways, more than the other popes during my lifetime, Pope Francis is easy to misunderstand. He often speaks off the cuff, and in an age of media sound bites and journalists who can only see Church teaching with political eyes, Pope Francis is often excerpted and abridged in a way that misses the depth and nuance of his words and his witness. This is full of practical advice, but it wasn't until I got to the section that is really meant for pastors that I really saw what a gift these words are to the Church. In no way does Pope Francis change, diminish, or dismiss any part of Catholic sexual ethics-- what so many of us see as some of the most empowering, affirming, lifechanging truths we have encountered. These are beautifully affirmed. Rather, he sets forth clearly the responsibility of the faithful to privilege each individual soul's wrestling with God and the humility needed to respect the complexity, uniqueness, and intimacy of that journey to faith and wholeness. If you have ever questioned what it is that Pope Francis is trying to do or say in relation to these issues, this particular section is a must read.
Profile Image for Patrick Riviere.
12 reviews3 followers
June 29, 2016
Fantastic document on the theology of marriage and family life as a whole. This seems to me to be a great document especially for couples preparing for marriage. Priests could use this as a framework for marriage preparation. Seriously recommended for all married and engaged couples and those who minister to them.

Those who work in ministry in the Church also receive a very beautiful yet difficult call in this document to truly walk with people, to encounter brokenness in a broken world, and to bring out the beauty of God's plan in the midst of that brokenness. The way to life is hard and narrow, and Pope Francis calls us all to walk it - together. We cannot take the easy road of "hiding" behind teachings.
Profile Image for gardeningmom7.
128 reviews
May 18, 2021
“Just a little caress, no words are necessary. But do not let the day end without making peace in your family. Our first reaction when we are annoyed should be one of heartfelt blessing, asking God to bless, free and heal that person.”
Profile Image for Sandra Vel.
324 reviews
March 21, 2023
Amoris Laetitia = La alegría del amor. (Accesible gratuitamente en la web del Vaticano).
Es una lectura de lo más actual, que combina las Sagradas Escrituras con los desafíos actuales y la realidad de las familias. Abarca muchos y variados temas y nos muestra las enseñanzas de la Iglesia sobre el don del matrimonio, la familia y el amor; un amor fuerte y lleno de sentido y valores.
En mi parroquia estamos trabajando el contenido de esta exhortación apostólica mediante 75 fichas o capítulos que ayudan a reflexionar y profundizar mucho más en cada tema. Lo ideal no es leerlo 'del tirón' sino tomarse el tiempo de meditar sobre cada enseñanza.
8 reviews
May 17, 2016
Despite what you will read in most of mainstream media and even some Catholic Media circles, this is an excellent document by Pope Francis, and sure it doesn't change any Church teachings but his reflection on the Family is real essential to the future pastoral ministry of the Church. I strongly recommend this to all those who are in family ministry, and really all Catholics should read this. It isn't a very difficult read.
Profile Image for Katie.
764 reviews
April 22, 2021
We read this with some friends for Lent, and as it is 9 chapters, it went into the Easter season.

Although repetitive in some spots, it was a good introduction to reading papal documents and relevant for the needs in the Church today.
Profile Image for Jonas Perez.
Author 6 books32 followers
June 25, 2017
Me encanto este libro. Mas que todo fue un gran apoyo y motivacion en mi vocacion de paternidad. Lee este libro en un viaje, y se llenó las horas con buenos pensamientos. Estoy bien agradecido y bendecido a terminar. Lo recomiendo a todos catolicos, especialmente los hombres
Profile Image for Steven Lewis.
6 reviews3 followers
May 2, 2018
The most infuriating thing about Amoris Laetitia is how freaking basic it is.
I expected some *actual* controversy.
Profile Image for Melissa.
139 reviews27 followers
April 21, 2016
Este texto permite a todos los cristianos y no cristianos conocer la postura de la Iglesia ante las problemáticas que afecta a las familias de hoy en día. Me ha servido mucho para entender las nuevas posturas del Papa y el mensaje que intenta transmitir. Es una guía también para católicos y religiosos, de como mejorar en Dios nuestra relación con nuestra familia, padres, hijos y parejas, pero sobre todo me ha gustado que es un llamado a los obispos y padres que atraigan y reciban a aquellos que normalmente creemos que son rezagados de la iglesia, aquellos que atraviesan dificultades para que la institución católica los acerque y los ayude a enfrentar sus problemas en Cristo y la Iglesia. No es un texto tedioso ni muy religioso, es directo y enfocado.
De manera general es una invitación a prestar más atención a las enseñanzas de Jesús respecto a la familias y darles la importancia que se merecen.
Profile Image for M..
738 reviews155 followers
December 2, 2017
It is very complete, and despite its extension, I believe it's very useful for a reference on many situations that are common for Catholics and all of people in this day and age, nothing too "elitist" in approach. It's supposed to be this way because it's a document by the Pope, after all.

It also has its little literary moments, and is very tied to Scripture and previous documents on the family by his predecesors. Very recommendable even if you don't have much of a parish life other than attending Mass. And even if you're not Catholic.
Profile Image for Tim Hingston.
16 reviews
Read
April 24, 2016
A challenging read for all. As the pope says at the beginning, it is best digested in small parts. Although it doesn't change any teachings of the church, it does encourage a new pastoral way to accompany people in all walks of life and situations of family. I encourage everyone to take the time to sit back and digest these chapters and these points. Although it is a summary of the two synods, it is written very much in the first person - as a pastor to the people in need.
Profile Image for Chris Chase.
176 reviews
January 15, 2018
It is the best lesson on love, marriage and children. I will give this to my recently married daughters and their husbands. It should be a must read for any one involved in family ministry.
Profile Image for David Kapusta.
12 reviews2 followers
May 18, 2017
Ak chceš niekoho spoznať, tak si prečítaj jeho knihu. O Pápežovi Františkovi je napísaných množstvo kníh a článkov. Ja som ho mohol spoznať v jeho posynodálnej apoštolskej exhortácii Amoris Laetitia. Text je plný múdrych myšlienok a rád pre celú Cirkev. Verím, že ak by sme aspoň spolovice zobrali s vážnosťou a odhodlaním aplikovať a prežívať tento text v našich životoch, tak by to tu bolo o niečo znesiteľnejšie.

Make rodina a manželstvo great again! Možno vás prekvapí, že pápež František hovorí sexuálnej výchove áno a oceňuje feminizmus, hoci stále zdôrazňuje antropologickú dôležitosť rodiny. Nebojí sa byť kritický do svojich radov. František sa nebojí výziev a vidí s akými krízami prechádza dnešná rodina v rozvinutom svete. Odkladanie manželstva, právna deštrukcia rodiny, gender ideológia, zvýšená mobilita obyvateľstva, nové trendy životného štýlu a individualizmus. Make rodina a manželstvo great again! Jeho odpoveďou je tento traktát lásky a vzkriesenie antropologckého významu rodiny v 21. storočí.

Najväčšiu časť venuje láske v manželstve a vykladá Pavlov hymnus lásky berúc do úvahy skúsenosti a poznatky z psychológie a sociológie. Používaním citácií a odkazov nadväzuje na exhortáciu Familiaris Consortio Jána Pavla II, encykliku Deus caritas est Benedikta XVI. či Tomáša Akvinského.

Posledná časť sa venuje pastoračným výzvam a radám v rodinom živote od zásnub po smrť partnera a blízkeho. František napríklad kladie dôraz na opatrnosť a radí pastierom byť citlivý pri normatívnom rozlišovaní, aby dokázali adekvátne rozoznávať rôzne životné situácie, pretože jednoduché recepty neexistujú. Milosrdenstvo prejavené v pastorácii vidí každý hriech vo svojom individuálnom kontexte a iregularite.
Profile Image for Hope Sacco.
82 reviews
May 9, 2025
did not think i would be as shocked by this as i was. superrr liberal views especially in terms of sexuality in marriage and forgiveness by the church after divorce. still kinda lengthy and euphemistic though and did not reinvigorate my catholicism.
Profile Image for Jonathan Drnjevic.
90 reviews1 follower
December 7, 2017
This is an amazing collection of wisdom by Pope Francis who is, in my opinion, the greatest Christian leader currently living. Extensively documented with 'study' questions.
Profile Image for Antonio Marcos.
40 reviews1 follower
October 22, 2024
Primera lectura del ciclo de matrimonio y sexualidad. Amoris Laetitia habla sobre los bienes y dificultades de los matrimonios hoy en día, y lo hace inmejorablemente. También aborda, con una increíble misericordia, todas aquellas relaciones que no constituyen un matrimonio canónico y sale a la defensa de la dignidad de los involucrados, indicando justificaciones sobre el estado en el que se encuentran con unos admirables argumentos extraídos de san Juan Pablo II y Santo Tomás. Aún así, esta reseña va sobre la necesidad del matrimonio en general y cómo la aniquilación de esta institución con los rasgos básicos cristianos, desde hace ya bastantes años, ha acabado en la crisis de afectos actual.

Qué un trabajador y un empresario quiera ganar dinero son dos deseos subjetivos que llevan al consentimiento mutuo para trabajar conjuntamente. No es difícil llegar a la conclusión de que esta suma de subjetividades no tiene porque implicar que ambas partes busquen un fin común objetivo y bueno para ambos, extrinseco a sus deseos (por eso objetivo) que redunde en ambos interesados, esto es, un bien común superior a sus bienes particulares. De hecho, no es lo habitual. Tampoco es difícil percatarse de que ambas partes no están en igualdad de condiciones. Y se podría debatir si es acaso posible que el bien común se pueda dar en un mercado libre. Y es que al contar solo con las subjetividades de ambas partes y solo su consentimiento no es posible atajar el problema de que una parte use a la otra como un mero instrumento de uso para la extracción de beneficios. El ataque cruento contra la dignidad del trabajador en el mercado libre en el capitalismo se realiza mediante esta deshumanizacion. Ser deshumanizado no es si no ser cosificado: Ser reducido desde la dignidad de ser capaz de determinar los propios fines con la voluntad y razón (imagen de Dios) a un mero instrumento para los fines de lucro de otro que te oprime y te quiebra, literalmente, tu alma. Dejas de tener agencia para definir tus propios objetivos y trabajar por ellos para pasar a ser más que un engranaje para la máquina de hacer dinero de otro. Es por ello que la iglesia, en su doctrina social, ve con buenos ojos modelos comunitarios del trabajo, cómo son las cooperativas de trabajadores, donde todos los que participan obran conjuntamente por un fin objetivo, externo a sus propios deseos subjetivos, que es el bien común de los involucrados y no la mera suma de fines subjetivos, esto es, la suma de los deseos particulares de enriquecerse. La búsqueda del bien común objetivo implica el ocuparse de los bienes particulares de cada trabajador, cooperando por un bien el cuál todos ellos aceptan mediante el libre uso de su razón y voluntad, siendo respetada de esta manera su humanidad y redundando los bienes particulares de un individuo en los demás, dado que el bien común implica y da lugar a esos bienes de cada cuál. En resumen, el bien común perseguido en una cooperativa ya cubre los deseos particulares, y además lo hace basándose en principios morales como la solidaridad evitando, o al menos reduciendo, la explotación del hombre por el hombre. Sin embargo, este no es el modelo habitual, y frente al mercado libre es necesaria la imposición pública de unas reglas y leyes que sancionen y eviten que los empresarios denigren a los empleados hasta el punto de la esclavitud. Asumimos, a excepción de ciertos economistas, que el ser humano en posiciones de poder tiende al lucro personal por encima del comunitario, y a expensas de este, y que para atajar este problema es necesario una batería de leyes que regulen el mercado laboral y la economía. De la pregunta de cómo evitar esta explotación surgen múltiples planteamientos y soluciones, pero la idea que subyace es que si no se controla el mercado libre tiende a la riqueza desbordada a costa de los pobres de este mundo.

Ahora bien, si somos plenamente conscientes del problema de la naturaleza humana en la economía y la no suficiencia del consentimiento cómo condición para el bien moral ¿porqué si lo consideramos en las relaciones sexuales, cuyo placer es tan grande que difícilmente podríamos decir que no se busca por si mismo? Las relaciones sexuales, y en general la sexualidad, implica siempre una relación con otra persona, pues está ordenada al encuentro y la unión y, por tanto, hay dos partes involucradas en todo acto sexual.

Al igual que en el mundo laboral, el consentimiento es una condición necesaria pero no suficiente para el bien moral en la relación sexual considerada. No es posible que de la mera suma de subjetividades, en este caso, mayoritariamente el deseo de placer sexual, se asegure un acto libre de egoísmo y de cosificacion mutua. Considerada sola la suma de subjetividades el acto sexual buscado por el uso del cuerpo de la otra persona es intrínsecamente peor que la analogía con el trabajo, debido a que en este caso es más habitual que el consentimiento sea entre dos iguales. Obviamente, el consentimiento es necesario en todo momento pues si no hablaríamos de una violación, cómo en el caso del trabajo hablaríamos de esclavitud, pero quedarse en estas situaciones es no aceptar que se da la cosificacion en relaciones aparentemente normales donde se hace imposible la responsabilidad con la otra persona que has usado, a todos los efectos, cómo un mero objeto para masturbarte ¿cómo vas a ser responsable con alguien que no has considerado más que superficialmente, lo justo y necesario para extraer de ella placer? Por el mismo motivo, la masturbación y la pornografia (intrínsecamente unidas) son abominables, dado que el individuo usa su sexualidad cómo mero instrumento de extracción de placer de los cuerpos de los demás en los que piensa u observa. Este uso desviado de la sexualidad de manera continuada produce un hábito que se integra en la personalidad y que lleva a la dificultad, cada vez mayor, de no ser capaz de relacionarse con los demás, dado que te has habituado a usar los cuerpos para hacerte pajas. Esto se observa muy bien en muchos casos de pudor o vergüenza excesiva, o en la falta de este.

El origen psicológico del pudor tiene una explicación muy curiosa en el relato del génesis que lo liga directamente al hombre caído: Adán y Eva antes de la caída estaban desnudos, y se miraban sin ningún problema, y no es si no tras la caída que sienten la necesidad de vestirse. Es tras la caída que la mirada pura que poseían sobre el cuerpo del otro se ha perdido y en su lugar un deseo desordenado de búsqueda de placer a costa de los cuerpos ha aparecido en ambos y, dado que Adán no quiere que Eva sienta ni le mire cómo él siente que quiere mirarla (y viceversa), se hace necesaria la vestimenta para salvaguardar la intimidad y la dignidad. Pero esto no implica que seamos necesariamente bestias sexuales: el impulso sexual es intrínsecamente bueno cómo signo de unión con el amado y señal de que estamos sanos, pero eso no implica que no haya que educarlo.

Ahora bien, ¿que bien objetivo común a ambos que participan en la relación sexual salvaguarda la moralidad de la acción? La apertura a la vida en una institución pública irrompible cómo es el matrimonio, pues hace que cada relación sexual implique una posibilidad para ambas personas de ser padres que arrastra y hace obligatoria la responsabilidad mutua, al dar lugar a un bien común a ambos cómo es el hijo o hija.

Con la pérdida de esta institución se ha provocado lo vaticinado por Pablo VI: el amor humano se ha vuelto en la práctica imposible. Al habituarnos a reducir la sexualidad a una fuente de goce egoísta y al amado cómo objeto de masturbación se hace ineludible que esta manera de concebirlo no se extienda a otras situaciones, no relacionadas con la sexualidad, en la vida en pareja y que haga imposible el sacrificio por el otro, que se vuelve un utensilio de usar y tirar.

El otro, de esta manera, pasa a ser un estorbo cuando se opone a nuestros deseos y es fácilmente descartable. No nos engañemos, el conflicto en las relaciones humanas existe y existirá y ningún matrimonio, ni aún el más católico, puede evadirlo pero cuando te has acostumbrado a usar a tu pareja y no a amarla, entonces, cuando no quiera tener relaciones sexuales ¿Qué ocurrirá? Cuando tú mujer o pareja no pueda tener sexo por enfermedad, durante meses, quizás años ¿La descartarás? ¿Te buscaras a otra persona con la que suplir tus deseos?

La sociedad ha enfermado de lujuria y, en un acto asquerosamente hipócrita, bastantes de los mismos que levantan la voz contra las injusticias laborales han aniquilado cualquier posibilidad de amar, bajo la excusa de querer masturbarse libremente y usar a los demás cómo dildos. Nos hemos convertido en una cultura de la desunión y la soledad. Estos mismos han cimentado y construido una estructura social egoísta y los muy ciegos claman contra el monstruo que han parido y lloran mientras se hace cada vez más claro lo evidente: Ya no sabemos amar.
Profile Image for Giulio Ciacchini.
389 reviews14 followers
November 25, 2024
Un testo che, come consigliato dallo stesso Francesco, andrebbe letto nel momento del bisogno.
Questo perché le sezioni possono essere lette singolarmente, in quanto contengono riflessioni complete sui vari rapport familiari: rapporto con i figli, sul rapporto tra i coniugi, sulla dottrina della chiesa ed altri temi.
Da un lato, Amoris Laetitia ribadisce i principi fondamentali della dottrina cattolica sulla famiglia: il matrimonio come unione indissolubile tra un uomo e una donna, la bellezza dell'amore coniugale e l'apertura alla vita come vocazione cristiana. Questi temi sono in linea con gli insegnamenti di documenti precedenti, come Humanae Vitae di Paolo VI e Familiaris Consortio di Giovanni Paolo II, che sottolineano il valore sacramentale del matrimonio e la centralità della famiglia nella vita cristiana.
Dall'altro lato, Papa Francesco introduce un tono e un metodo pastorale che rappresentano una novità. Amoris Laetitia si distingue per il suo approccio concreto e pragmatico: invece di concentrarsi esclusivamente su ideali elevati, si impegna a rispondere alle sfide e alle fragilità della vita familiare contemporanea. Questo cambio di prospettiva si riflette in una maggiore enfasi sul discernimento personale e sulla misericordia.
Quello che mi ha colpito dell'opera è l'invito alla comprensione, all'accompagnamento e al discernimento pastorale, piuttosto che un rigido manuale di regole. Papa Francesco usa uno stile caldo e accogliente per proporre una visione della famiglia radicata nell'amore, nella misericordia e nel dialogo che traspare dall'enciclica.
Anzi, il Papa non manca di sottolineare gli errori della Chiesa, invitandola alla autocritica, perché invece di accogliere i fedeli li ha allontanati
Al tempo stesso dobbiamo essere umili e realisti, per riconoscere che a volte il nostro modo di presentare le convinzioni cristiane e il modo di trattare le persone hanno aiutato a provocare ciò di cui oggi ci lamentiamo, per cui ci spetta una salutare reazione di autocritica. D'altra parte, spesso abbiamo presentato il matrimonio in modo tale che il suo fine unitivo, l'invito a crescere nell'amore e l'ideale di aiuto reciproco sono rimasti in ombra per un accento quasi esclusivo posto sul dovere della procreazione. Né abbiamo fatto un buon accompagnamento dei nuovi sposi nei loro primi anni, con proposte adatte ai loro orari, ai loro linguaggi, alle loro preoccupazioni più concrete. Altre volte abbiamo presentato un ideale teologico del matrimonio troppo astratto, quasi artificiosamente costruito, lontano dalla situazione concreta e dalle effettive possibilità delle famiglie così come sono. Questa idealizzazione eccessiva, soprattutto quando non abbiamo risvegliato la fiducia nella grazia, non ha fatto sì che il matrimonio sia più desiderabile e attraente, ma tutto il contrario.

E ancora
Benedetto XVI ha raccolto questo interrogativo con grande chiarezza: «La Chiesa con i suoi comandamenti e divieti non ci rende forse amara la cosa più bella della vita? Non innalza forse cartelli di divieto proprio là dove la gioia, predisposta per noi dal Creatore, ci offre una felicità che ci fa pregustare qualcosa del Divino? ». Ma egli rispondeva che, seppure non sono mancati nel cristianesimo esagerazioni o ascetismi deviati, l'insegnamento ufficiale della Chiesa, fedele alle Scritture, non ha rifiutato «l'eros come tale, ma ha dichiarato guerra al suo stravolgimento distruttore, poiché la falsa divinizzazione dell'eros lo priva della sua dignità, lo disumanizza

Inoltre Francesco dimostra di avere molto chiaro il funzionamento di un sano rapporto di coppia.
In questo passaggio, l'idea che l'amore conviva con l'imperfezione è uno dei punti più realistici. Non si tratta di ignorare i difetti, ma di contestualizzarli, ricordando che nessuno è definito esclusivamente dai propri errori. Questo approccio smonta le aspettative idealizzate che spesso gravano sulle relazioni, favorendo una visione più compassionevole e realistica.
Considerare l'altro come un insieme complesso e accettare che "un fatto sgradevole non è la totalità della relazione" è un antidoto contro la tendenza a ridurre il partner ai suoi errori, soprattutto nei momenti di crisi.
Gli sposi che si amano e si appartengono, parlano bene l'uno dell'altro, cercano di mostrare il lato buono del coniuge al di là delle sue debolezze e dei suoi errori. In ogni caso, mantengono il silenzio per non danneggiarne l'immagine. Però non è soltanto un gesto esterno, ma deriva da un atteggiamento interiore. E non è neppure l'ingenuità di chi pretende di non vedere le difficoltà e i punti deboli dell'altro, bensì è l'ampiezza dello sguardo di chi colloca quelle debolezze e quegli sbagli nel loro contesto; ricorda che tali difetti sono solo una parte, non sono la totalità dell'essere dell'altro. Un fatto sgradevole nella relazione non è la totalità di quella relazione. Dunque si può accettare con semplicità che tutti siamo una complessa combinazione di luci e ombre. L'altro non è soltanto quello che a me dà fastidio. E molto più di questo. Per la stessa ragione, non pretendo che il suo amore sia perfetto per apprezzarlo. Mi ama come è e come può, con i suoi limiti, ma il fatto che il suo amore sia imperfetto non significa che sia falso o che non sia reale. É reale, ma limitato e terreno. Perciò, se pretendo troppo, in qualche modo me lo farà capire, dal momento che non potrà né accetterà di giocare il ruolo di un essere divino né di stare al servizio di tutte le mie necessità. L'amore convive con l'imperfezione, la scusa, e sa stare in silenzio davanti ai limiti della persona amata.

Un altro passaggio significativo è la riflessione sul ruolo del Padre oggi, dopo la rivoluzione sessuale del '68.
Francesco riconosce che l'autoritarismo e la sopraffazione erano caratteristiche problematiche del patriarcato tradizionale, che limitava non solo i figli ma spesso anche le donne. Questo passaggio è significativo: la Chiesa non idealizza il passato, ma lo guarda con occhio critico, riconoscendo le distorsioni del modello patriarcale.
La riflessione sulla "virilità messa in discussione" evidenzia come il processo di emancipazione e il cambiamento dei ruoli di genere abbiano reso più fluido il concetto di mascolinità. Il Papa sembra invitare a trovare un nuovo modello di paternità e virilità che sia compatibile con una società più egualitaria.
L’obiettivo implicito di questa riflessione è proporre un rinnovamento del ruolo paterno. Non più un’autorità distante e censoria, ma una figura presente, capace di ascoltare, guidare e amare con equilibrio. Francesco non condanna la trasformazione sociale, ma invita a riflettere su come il padre possa ricoprire un ruolo significativo senza tornare al modello patriarcale oppressivo.
Si dice che la nostra società è una « società senza padri ». Nella cultura occidentale, la figura del padre sarebbe simbolicamente assente, distorta, sbiadita. Persino la virilità sembrerebbe messa in discussione. Si è verificata una comprensibile confusione, perché «in un primo momento, la cosa è stata percepita come una liberazione: liberazione dal padre-padrone, dal padre come rappresentante della legge che si impone dall'esterno, dal padre come censore della felicità dei figli e ostacolo all'emancipazione e all'autonomia dei giovani. Talvolta in alcune case regnava in passato l'autoritarismo, in certi casi addirittura la sopraffazione. Tuttavia, «come spesso avviene, si passa da un estremo all'altro. Il problema dei nostri giorni non sembra essere più tanto la presenza invadente dei padri, quanto piuttosto la loro assenza, la loro latitanza. I padri sono talora così concentrati su se stessi e sul proprio lavoro e alle volte sulle proprie realizzazioni individuali, da dimenticare anche la famiglia. E lasciano soli i piccoli e i giovani

In sintesi, Amoris Laetitia ha diviso l’opinione pubblica cattolica:
Per alcuni, rappresenta una necessaria modernizzazione della Chiesa, capace di parlare al cuore delle persone e affrontare le complessità del mondo moderno.
Per altri, è un documento ambiguo che rischia di minare la coerenza della dottrina cattolica.
Profile Image for Kerstin.
372 reviews
June 30, 2016
Overall 'Amoris Laetitia' is a very accessible document on "Love and the Family." Pope Francis has a real gift of making Church teachings understandable to every person. It is a document primarily geared towards persons considering or early in their marriage and how to live it in a loving manner as the years unfold and grows into a family. For people married for a long time, especially those with grown children, much of the advice given mirrors what one lives every day already.

As for the very timely concerns of irregular situations and difficulties associated with divorce, he cautions that the pastoral care of such persons should not fall into strict legalisms but is approached individually as the case demands with the requisite sensitivity. Still, he maintains, "To show understanding in the face of exceptional situations never implies dimming the light of the fuller ideal, or proposing less than what Jesus offers to the human being."
Profile Image for Elaine.
42 reviews3 followers
December 28, 2018
I love being Catholic. There’s so much wisdom and beauty in the teachings and living of the Church. Pope Francis explains many aspects of the sacrament, elevating and correcting the current ideas our society has of marriage and the family, and illuminating its real power and truth.
“The family is the principal agent of an integral ecology, because it is the primary social subject which contains within it the two fundamental principles of human civilization on earth: the principle of communion and the principle of fruitfulness.”
“The family lives its spirituality precisely by being at one and the same time a domestic church and a vital cell for transforming the world’’
It all starts with the family, which begins when a man and woman marry. Let’s make the world better by reaffirming and encouraging marriage.
Profile Image for Michelle Rogers.
380 reviews25 followers
July 14, 2016
A very good document on Catholic teaching on Love and Family. Pope Francis reiterates and quotes many previous popes, saints and Church leaders as he explains what the Church teaches us about love and marriage while also calling us to meet others where they are at to help guide them on the journey of life towards the truth and a fuller understanding how God has intended love and family to be. The Word Among Us edition I read was helpful as it also had a study guide for each section to help the reader both in reading and applying this exhortation in his or her own life. I would recommend this book to anyone involved in marriage and family ministries, as well as all families.
Profile Image for Francesco.
1,130 reviews41 followers
April 20, 2022
Vote: 4,25
Class: P-A1 (FP)

L'Evangelium Vitae incontra la Miserericordiae Vultus in questa lettera in cui il Papa ci parla della famiglia. A tratti commovente e illuminante passa dai dettagli più concreti alle verità più profonde del mistero della famiglia andando sempre e comunque incontro a tutti, con la chiara intenzione di tendere sempre la mano verso chi ne ha bisogno e non abbandonare nessuno.
Una lettura imprescindibile per chi voglia affrontare con maggiore consapevolezza l'avventura della vita e del matrimonio.
Da leggere e studiare in profondità.
Profile Image for Mike.
129 reviews
June 14, 2017
Why on earth did I let so many months pass with "Amoris Laetitia" sitting neglected on my nightstand? Let us regard one another with greater charity, with greater fidelity to the Gospel, never compromising the truth but also never forgetting that each & every one of us is wounded by sin in this world so awash with deception & degradation. Let us spend our time & our energy, which are not our own but gifts from Him Who made us, building each other up, binding each other's wounds, rather than sitting in judgment of our fellow sinners.
1,020 reviews3 followers
April 22, 2016
I love reading what this Pope writes. This Pope of Mercy reminds us of what marriage is supposed to be and encourages all of us to grow closer to the ideal. He understands that the world is complicated and people are weak and sometimes damaged but does not shy away from calling us to the higher standard. He is a prodigal son Pope that never tires of welcoming back all of us. Loved it!
78 reviews
May 5, 2016
Pope Francis's exhortation is a powerful account of the family and their role in the world. Every chapter contains valuable insights, but Chapter 4 in particular contains an amazing reflection on 1 Cor: 4-7 which should be read by all married couples, regardless of whether or not they are Catholic. Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Dan.
Author 2 books16 followers
Read
April 9, 2016
Had to read it ASAP so I could ignore all the hot takes in good conscience. Because all coverage of Pope Francis's writing—on account of his apparent aim to make everybody think they're the real China—is by nature a hot take, the only way to escape is rapid consumption of the primary source.
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