In an unusual move, Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, head of the Pontifical Council for the Family, has asked bishops around the world to host their own press conferences for the release of Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation, “Amoris Laetitia” (The Joy of the Family). He has asked that where possible, these should be held on the same day as the Rome presentation, Friday April 8th, and should feature an expert on family ministry, a theologian, or a (married?) couple who are capable of getting through to a wide audience.
The news was reported yesterday by the French Catholic newspaper La Croix. Here follows my free English translation, of the key paragraphs:
The Pontifical Council for the Family has asked all bishops to prepare a press conference for the day of publication of the Apostolic Exhortation in response to the Synod on the family.
How is the Vatican preparing for the publication of the apostolic exhortation on the family?
Long-awaited, the post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation by Pope Francis signed on March 19, on the feast of St. Joseph, is being translated into several languages and should be published in April. The Vatican is already preparing for the “reception” of the text that marks the culmination of two synods convened in 2014 and 2015, that is to say, how dioceses, parishes and movements will take note and Implement it.
During the week before Easter, the bishops around the world received an email on this from the Pontifical Council for the family. It states that the exhortation is “in line with the two relatiosdrafted at the end of each of the two synodal assemblies, but also the catechesis of Pope Francis on the family, as well as the teaching of John Paul II and the Gospel,” says one of the recipient bishops.
Above all, the Council for the family asked them to prepare for the publication of the exhortation. He particularly suggested they provide “a press conference, if possible on the same day as the one to be held in Rome,” says the bishop. “The idea is that we should be thinking about an expert in family ministry, a theologian or a couple able to talk about it to a wider audience.
Correction:
An earlier version of this incorrectly referred to Vincent Paglia as “Cardinal”. This is incorrect, and has now been corrected, to his correct title of “Archbishop”. (See the note in the comments, below).
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Vincenzo Paglia is not a Cardinal, possibly because of suspicions, of which I understand he has now been cleared, regarding some ‘financial creativity’ in Terni Diocese, where he was previously Bishop.
Martin
Thanks Martin. I’ll correct immediately.