73

In his opening lecture, Cardinal Vingt-Trois recalls Pope Francis’ optimistic and hopeful Exhortation which invites us to consider family issues from an essentially pastoral perspective. The way of the Church is not to automatically apply general laws to those living in irregular situations but to enlighten and accompany them lovingly in their singular reality while exercising spiritual discernment and fostering the desire for a better life. The Church as a whole is called to exercise discernment while embracing the universal dimension of Christian anthropology founded upon kerygma as well as the singular dimension of history associated to the Church’s mission of bringing salvation to the world, and offering assistance to those whose path follows Christ.