Pope Francis on the Journey for the Synod on the Family

As the Extraordinary Synod on the Family concluded at the Vatican, Pope Francis made an remarkable closing speech.

Among the tensions and temptations, Pope Francis includes:

• Rigidity to the letter of the law which does not allow oneself to be surprised by the spirit within the law;
• Being drawn to deceptive mercy which bind wounds without healing them;
• To make transformation from sin unbearable burdens;
• To bow down to a worldly spirit instead of purifying it and bending it to the Spirit of God; and
• Neglecting either the deposit of faith or neglecting realities.

Pope Francis' closing speech earned a four minute standing ovation from those assembled at the Synod.

The Synod Fathers voted on each of the paragraphs of the controversial midterm relatio. and all but three earned the three fourths majority.

The rejected paragraphs seem to be the ones inserted by Synod Secretary Archbishop of Chieti-Vasto Bruno Forte (particularly on celebrating homosexual Catholics gifts) and communion for divorced and civilly remarried Catholics (a favorite of Cardinal Walter Kasper).

These deliberations have been a preface for a month long ordinary Synod next year which will also focus on issues for the modern family.  Several months after the October 2015 synod, Pope Francis may publish an Apostolic Exhortation. 

h/t:  Whispers in the Loggia 

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