Statement of Bishop Thomas Tobin on the Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Francis, “Amoris Laetitia”

In the publication of his Apostolic Exhortation, Amoris Laetitia, “The Joy of Love,” Pope Francis has given us a very timely document that deserves our careful and prayerful attention. The letter is written to and about families, and seeks to apply the teachings of the Church to the circumstances of our day. The letter affirms the critical importance of healthy and stable families for our Church and world, while also acknowledging the many difficulties and challenges that families encounter today.

It is my intention to form a diocesan task force to study the consequences of Amoris Laetitia and to offer recommendations regarding its full implementation in the Diocese of Providence. While the letter must be considered in its totality, it will be particularly important to study ways of engaging families and individuals for whom the lived experience of family life is far from the ideal proclaimed by the Church, and, and as a result, sometimes feel estranged from the Church.

Our prayer is that every family will be a holy family, and that God’s Family, the Church, will be a home where all can find a place at the table. May our Blessed Mother, the Virgin Mary, and Saint Joseph her spouse, accompany us in this exciting journey.