Chicago archbishop says Pope makes clear doctrines are to serve people

Apr 15, 2016

CHICAGO: Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich (pic right) welcomed Pope Francis’ reflection on marriage and family life, saying that while not changing any church doctrine, the apostolic exhortation “makes clear that doctrines are at the service of the pastoral mission.”

Cupich, whom Francis appointed as a delegate to the Synod of Bishops on the family last October, called Amoris Laetitia (“The Joy of Love”) “an authoritative teaching document” that was faithful to what the bishops had approved with a two-thirds majority vote at the synod.

Cupich, who addressed a press conference in Chicago Friday morning, the day Amoris Laetitia was released, also said it reflects Francis personality and pastoral style.

“He demonstrates his closeness to the real lives of people,” Cupich said, “someone who knows the smell of the sheep as he takes up a wide spectrum of the complexity that defines family living in our time.”

Cupich said he found the pope’s candor and honesty engaging and noted how two words are worth emphasizing in the document — discernment and integration.

Describing marriage as a journey, a dynamic path to personal development and fulfilment, Francis speaks of the importance of discernment in those situations in which we fall short of what the Lord asks of us with profound respect for people, the archbishop said.

“The church has 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,’ ” said Cupich, quoting Francis’ document.

Cupich quoted again from the document, reminding pastors, “We have been called to form consciences, not to replace them.”

Cupich noted that Francis made no changes to doctrine but the pope “makes clear that doctrines are at the service of the pastoral mission. He also knows that this call for a more compassionate, pastoral outreach, tenderness, compassion, accompaniment, will leave some perplexed.”

Cupich said he was surprised at the breadth of issues Amoris Laetitia covers. Such topic include marriage preparation, proper training of future priests, adoption, family prayer, sex education, the dignity of women and children’s rights.

Cupich said he will consider this document carefully and with his lay and ordained advisors for concrete things to do within the Archdiocese of Chicago.

“Do we need to form teams that are going to help pastors reach out to people? Do we need to look for ways to enhance our marriage preparation program? Is there a program we can put together for families who welcome that first child into the world? I think that this has so many possibilities for us — that should spark our imagination.”

Cupich said the document is easily accessible and “the average Catholic is going to find what the pope is saying is arresting and imaginative. He talks about the need for families to be tolerant so we don’t separate ourselves. They will find a lot to encourage them.”

He described the pope’s language as colorful and highly expressive.--NCR