The 2016 document, released by Pope Francis following debate with cardinals and a global synod of bishops, reformulated Catholic teaching on marriage, easing some longstanding restrictions. Notably, it determined that divorced and remarried Catholics should no longer be categorically excluded from receiving Communion; individual pastors are now empowered to decide on a case-by-case basis.
This approach initially sparked considerable debate within the global Catholic Church. Several bishops and cardinals voiced open opposition, fearing the decision would weaken the biblical principle of the indissolubility of marriage. However, a majority of participants at the world synod of bishops ultimately supported the change.
In his message released Thursday, Pope Leo XIV signaled an intention to continue the reformist path set by his predecessor. He wrote that *Amoris laetitia* offers “a valuable teaching that we must deepen today: the biblical hope for the loving and merciful presence of God, which makes it possible to live ‘stories of love,’ even when experiencing ‘family crises.’” Referencing the document’s more contested passages, Leo XIV recalled that his predecessor “calls the Church to ‘accompany, discern and integrate’ fragility by overcoming a shortened understanding of the norm.”
The October consultations, which will be synodal in nature but not structured as a world synod of bishops, will bring together leaders from the approximately 115 national and regional Catholic bishops’ conferences, as well as individual bishops not affiliated with a conference, such as those in Luxembourg. Such widespread consultations with the heads of all bishops’ conferences are rare.
“Given the changes that continue to influence families,” the Pope wrote, “I have decided to convene in October 2026 the presidents of the bishops’ conferences of the whole world, to undertake a synodal discernment regarding the steps to be taken to proclaim the Gospel to families today, through mutual listening. Here’s to take place in the light of *Amoris laetitia* and with consideration for what has already been done in local churches.”
