When Amoris Laetitia was published in 2016, it became the most controversial papal document since Humanae Vitae. Many said that Amoris Laetitia was "confusing" and "required clarification." Others claimed that it was heterodox, while comparing it unfavorably with other church documents. But is this really the case? In this book, Pedro Gabriel sets out to explore Amoris Laetitia's controversial eighth chapter. What does the document actually teach as it pertains to the access of divorced and civilly remarried people to the Eucharist, and how can it constitute a legitimate development? As Pedro Gabriel tries to answer these questions, he will also cover the most common arguments being leveled against Amoris Laetitia, and show how this exhortation can be reconciled with Catholic orthodoxy.

The publication of Pope Francis’ post-synodal apostolic exhortation, Amoris Laetitia started the most important theological debate in the Catholic Church since the end of the Second Vatican Council. The cardinals, bishops, theologians, priests, lay Catholics found themselves on the opposite sides of this crucial and complicated discussion. This book attempts to shed some light on this debate by tracing its genealogy. Since Amoris Laetitia is a post-synodal document, the large part of the book is devoted to the theological analysis of the two Synods of Bishops convoked by Pope Francis in the first years of his pontificate: the extraordinary in October 2014 and the ordinary that took place a year later. The main topics for the two synods were determined, however, in the speech given by Cardinal Walter Kasper during the cardinals consistory in February 2014 whose main aim was to prepare the possibility of admitting divorced persons who live in second unions to Holy Communion. The arguments of Cardinal Kasper are presented in the first chapter of the book and confronted with the most significant statements of the Magisterium of the Church on the issue of admittance to the Holy Communion. This book is a study at the intersection of Church history, the history of theology, and systematic theology: dogmatic and moral. Kupczak is interested in the chronology of the events connected to the two synods on the family but in the context of theological problems discussed therein: the theological significance of contemporary cultural changes; the relation of the Church to the world; the understanding of the indissolubility of the sacramental marriage and the Eucharist; the methods of ethically assessing human acts, particularly the concept of so-called intrinsically evil acts (intrinsece malum); and the relation of conscience to the general moral norm. The non-partisan ambition of this book is to serve as a “road map”— a help in navigation for the reader in the complicated discussions leading to publication of Amoris Laetitia. The uniqueness of this book consists in combining the historical analysis of the events leading to the publication of Amoris Laetitia with research of the theological discussion that ensued. Since Amoris Laetitia is a post-synodal exhortation, this book rests on the assumption that crucial for its understanding is a thorough analysis of its genealogy. Only in the light of this historical and theological perspective the debates surrounding Amoris Laetitia may be understood.

The broad topic has always been whether the Catholic Church should reposition itself to today's world realities. Francis listened, prodded and sometimes steered the process, but he mostly kept his own counsel, until now. Having led Catholic into such delicate terrain, Francis has stirred hope and fear. Some religious conservatives even warn he could destabilise the church and undermine Catholic doctrine. Some liberals, though, are hoping Francis will continue in his progressive view in a way that would make the church more responsive to today's world views. Having paddled through all these pressures Pope Francis document which is arguably the most anticipated document of 2016 from the Catholic world, and indeed the world at large seeks emphatically to affirm not the "ideal family" but the very rich and complex reality of family. Its pages provide an openhearted look, profoundly positive, which is nourished not with abstraction or ideal projection, but with pastoral attention to reality. The Pope brings in for the first time ever a path for the divorced, families, children and hope for gays in a way that destroys any type of discrimination against them whatsoever. The essential importance of this book is extremely beneficial to all Christians, families, children, politicians, the Catholic Church and indeed the world at large.

“All of us are called to keep striving towards something greater than ourselves and our families, and every family must feel this constant impulse. Let us make this journey as families, let us keep walking together.” Pope Francis, Amoris Laetitia In his groundbreaking work on modern family life, Amoris Laetitia: On Love in the Family, Pope Francis continues to guide and lead the Church, calling us to be a sign of mercy and encouragement for families of all shapes and sizes. The Our Sunday Visitor edition includes exclusive reflection and discussion questions, to help Catholics grow in our understanding of this call, and act upon it. In Amoris Laetitia: On Love in the Family the Holy Father expands on the topics and considerations of the two Synods on the family, and adds his own considerations to help us provide pastoral guidance to support and strengthen today’s families. On Love in the Family guides us through: Scripture – what we can learn from Biblical families and relationships with God and each other Reality – the experiences and challenges we face in today’s world Tradition – essential aspects of Church teaching on marriage and families Love – what it means for all our relationships Ministry – Pope Francis offers pastoral perspectives for helping build strong families Spirituality – the expression of the Gospel message in our relationships

Pope Francis' Apostolic Exhortation: The Joy of Love (Amoris Laetitia) brings together the results of the two Synods on the Family convoked by Pope Francis in 2014 and 2015. The Apostolic Exhortation is appreciated as an aid to reflection, dialogue and pa

A practical guide to understanding and implementing Amoris Laetitia. The pastoral implications of this document will be of interest to church professionals.

In his post-synodal exhortation Amoris laetitia, Pope Francis calls upon the church to "make room for the consciences of the faithful, who very often respond as best they can to the Gospel amid their limitations, and are capable of carrying out their own discernment in complex situations." Respect for personal conscience and pastoral discernment should also guide the church's theological stance and pastoral attitude toward contemporary forms of living together, especially those that do not conform to the ideal of exclusive and lifelong marriage. This volume explores the implications of this vision, with particular regard to the divorced and remarried. (Series: INTAMS Studies on Marriage and Family / INTAMS-Studien zu Ehe und Familie, Vol. 2) [Subject: Catholic Studies, Marriage & Family]