Pope reflects on marital fidelity

October 21, 2015

Continuing his series of Wednesday general audiences on the family, Pope Francis reflected on marital fidelity in his October 21 catechesis.

“Fidelity to promises is a masterpiece of humanity,” he said to the crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square. “If we look at its daring beauty, we are afraid, but if we despise its courageous tenacity, we are lost.”

“Today we consider the promise of love and fidelity made between husbands and wives, which is the basis of all family life,” the Pope added, in the words of the official English-language synthesis of his remarks. “This promise is called into question nowadays, and seen as somehow opposed to personal freedom. Yet the truth is that our freedom is shaped and sustained by our fidelity to the choices and commitments we make throughout life.”

The Pope continued:

Fidelity grows through our daily efforts to keep our word; indeed, fidelity to our promises is a supreme expression of our dignity as human beings. There is no greater “school” to teach us such fidelity than marriage and the family, which are, in God’s plan, a blessing for our world.

Saint Paul tells us that the love which grounds the family points to the bond of love between Christ and the Church. In these days of the Synod on the Family, let us pray that the Church will uphold and strengthen the promise of the family, with creativity and with unfailing trust in that faithful love by which the Lord fulfils his every promise.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Pope Francis: liberty, fidelity cornerstones of family (Vatican Radio)
• Pope Francis General Audience 2015.10.21 (YouTube Vatican)