On October 7, 2026, a series of meetings dedicated to His Holiness Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation titled “Amoris Laetitia” or “The Joy of Love” commenced in Rome, with the participation of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, Leaders of the Eastern Catholic Churches, and the laity. Most Rev. Archbishop Kévork Noradounguian, Ordinary for Catholic Armenians in Armenia, Georgia, Russia, and Eastern Europe, also attended upon the invitation of Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops of the Holy See, with the status of observer.

The series of meeting-discussions is titled: “Ten Years after Amoris Laetitia: Proclaiming the Gospel Today Together with Families.” The program includes opening remarks by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Prefect of the Holy See’s Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life, and Cardinal Mario Grech, a message from His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, and a reflection by Sister Helen Alford, President of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, which already took place on October 7. On subsequent days, other cardinals, bishops, and field experts will speak. There will be ongoing group discussions with the participation of bishops, cardinals, and patriarchs, as well as moments of silent reflection and prayer. The sessions taking place in the Pope Paul VI Audience Hall will continue until October 14, when the Holy Father will celebrate a concluding Holy Mass in Saint Peter’s Square.

In his address, Cardinal Grech stated that as representatives of the universal Church, the participating leaders will bring together the joys, hopes, and concerns of families from all over the world during these days of discussion. Cardinal Farrell called the Holy Father’s presence at these meetings “a source of our joy.” He noted that this gathering provides an opportunity to reflect together on the journey begun and the difficulties faced by various Churches, and to ask ourselves how we can better align the proclamation of the Gospel with the capacity of families “so that they can rediscover and live their Christian vocation with greater awareness.” “Secularization, individualism, and the spread of technology contribute to the gradual weakening of the transmission of faith within families,” said Cardinal Farrell.

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, in his address, called on all bishops of the world to share everything that has been accomplished in the field of mission for families over the past ten years following the publication of the letter “Amoris Laetitia”, and to face with courage the issues and difficulties that families encounter today. The Church has always paid great attention to pastoral work with families—especially since the Second Vatican Council, emphasized the Pope—because the family is the primary cradle for the Gospel message and the transmission of faith, upon which society is based. Families that bear witness to the faith of the Gospel contribute to the life and mission of the Church. The Pope emphasized that the pastors present at these days’ meeting have a duty to proclaim the beauty of God’s plan for marriage and the family. According to him, this means accompanying families in their daily lives and listening to them. “The wisdom of the People of God reaches us through our shared faith, which illuminates all families, including situations where there are difficulties, loneliness, and sometimes even apparent failure,” said the Supreme Pontiff.

Chancery of the Armenian Catholic Ordinariate

October 8, 2026