Pope Leo XIV, recovering from lung cancer surgery in Rome, sent a request for prayers to participants in a Vatican conference.
"As you know, I have been unable to be among you during these days," Pope Leo wrote in the Oct. 14 message to clergy members and Catholics. "I thank you warmly for your prayers and for the work you have done together. Your sharing of experiences and attentive listening are indeed a gift to the whole Church."
The pope's message was read at the conclusion of the conference "10 Years After Amoris Laetitia: Proclaiming the Gospel with Families Today," a meeting examining the legacy of the apostolic exhortation and how to strengthen family participation in the church's mission.
"Entrusting each of you to the protection of the Holy Family of Nazareth, I ask you please to pray for me, as I pray for you," he wrote.
The pope encouraged participants to bring the meeting's insights back to their bishops' conferences and dioceses, continue proclaiming the Gospel with families, and ensure families remain active participants in the life and mission of local churches.
Leo's homily delivered
At the closing Mass for the conference "10 Years After Amoris Laetitia: Proclaiming the Gospel with Families Today," Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, dean of the College of Cardinals, delivered a homily prepared by Pope Leo XIV, saying, "the world has no future without strong families open to the gift of children and attentive to their education and growth."
Families and faith communities should accompany people facing hardship with compassion rather than condemnation, the pope's homily said.
"Those who are more vulnerable, or who are experiencing difficult circumstances and moments of crisis, will also find support and encouragement, surrounded by affection and shielded from judgment and prejudice. Let us remember that 'as wounded as the family may be, it can always grow beginning with love,'" Tagle said, delivering the homily prepared by Pope Leo.
