The image of the Church that, with its pastoral choices, the next Synod is called to show, is that of “a mother committed to generate, support and sustain all the children of God, without exception.” This was underlined by Archbishop Bruno Forte, special secretary of the next Extraordinary Synod on the Family, which was desired by Pope Francis. The occasion was the presentation  of the Working Document of the Synod Assembly to the Press. The synod, which will take place next October, will be dedicated to the theme “The Pastoral Challenges of the Family in the context of evangelization. ” Anna Friso, who with her husband Alberto is responsible for the ‘New Families‘ section of the Focolare Movement, said, “The family has become a symbol of the difficulties and sufferings of society, so knowing that the Church has this attitude of acceptance and closeness is tremendous.” The document is based on the results of the survey carried out last November through a questionnaire of 39 questions, which had a positive reception and a large response. Anna Friso said, “I think it was the right idea. Begin from the people, from the concrete facts of how we live”.  Alberto Friso continued, ” This attention to such complex and diverse situations of many families in trouble means giving value to these sufferings in order to draw out a light. Suffering is a value, a very important factor. If the Church understands this, families will find inner resources to find ways of reconciliation. ” Alberto went on to say: “It’s definitely an opening of the heart and soul of the church in welcome and acceptance. But it is not just a way to enlighten the difficult situations, but also the whole general context of the family, because the family is born from God’s for humanity, and in this love it finds its meaning.”

A large part of the document is devoted to difficult pastoral situations such as cohabitation, de facto unions, separations, divorces and unions between persons of the same sex. “We have to understand”, said Anna Friso, “that the real issue is not to remove the speck from the other’s eye but help them grow in the knowledge that God loves us all immensely. And it’s an announcement aimed at everyone, not just at those who are not in irregular situations. ” “There is no question about the doctrine of the Church”, Mgr. Forte explained at the Press Conference, but its application, its proposals, the accompaniment of its reception and practice. Anna Friso commented, “In the doctrine of the Church there is a truth of beauty, joy, possibility of fulfilment. And in the end no one wants a disposable love or considers children an option.  So the Church tells us exactly what is written in our hearts. However, it’s about presenting this primarily through witness”.  And Alberto added, “Our hope is that the Synod increases the awareness of all families, not just the Christian ones. I think it’s an historical act of love that the Church fulfils in a time when individualism dominates, a great message of confidence and hope not only for Christian anthropology.” http:it.radiovaticana.va/news