New Releases by Pope Francis

"Knowing how to love is never a thing acquired once and for all. We must begin anew every day. We must practice it.... We have to learn the art of loving every day." — Pope Francis, Regina Coeli, May 21, 2017 When Jorge Bergoglio was a young Jesuit, he wrote a statement of his personal beliefs. It began, “I want to believe in God the Father who loves me like a child, and in Jesus, the Lord who infused my life with His Spirit, to make me smile and so carry me to the eternal Kingdom of life.” The elements of this credo inspired the selection and arrangement of the reflections gathered here: Pope Francis’s thoughts on love for God and each other, and most importantly God’s love for us. Here are his most intimate thoughts about the purpose and promise of love, “the greatest power for the transformation of reality.” Whether you are at the beginning, middle, or end of your spiritual journey, may Pope Francis’s words open your eyes to true love: the kind of love that will never end. The audio edition of this book can be downloaded via Audible.

The beloved people''s Pope reveals his views on the contentious political issues of our time—from immigration to climate change. Pope Francis met with French reporter and sociologist Dominique Wolton for an unprecedented series of twelve fascinating and timely conversations—open dialogues revolving around the political, cultural, and religious issues dominating communication and conflict around the world—now published in A Future of Faith: The Path of Change in Politics and Society. Inspiring and insightful, Pope Francis’s views on immigration, poverty, diversity, globalization, and more are borne from his Christian faith and basic humanity. Meeting the challenges of the twenty-first century requires compassion for those in need, a willingness to work towards common goals without domineering other cultures, and the ability to negotiate with trust, respect, and dignity. And for the first time, Pope Francis shares insights into his own personality, and the formation of his faith, including his experience with psychotherapy, and some of the most important women in his upbringing. Controversial, bold, personal, and illuminating— A Future of Faith will serve to be essential reading for not only Catholics, but those who want to see how the “people’s pope” confronts the social injustices of the world with the foresight to create positive change.

Pope Francis''s impact on the modern world has already proved extraordinary. It is no surprise that he was voted Time magazine''s Person of the Year (in 2013), joining the likes of Martin Luther King (1964) and President John F. Kennedy (1961). Francis has turned the Catholic Church upside-down, flung open the windows of the Vatican and started to purge the church of corruption, nepotism and financial skulduggery. But above all he is engaged with the poor, the starving and the marginalised. He has made important visits to troubled spots in the world and invariably people say his appearances change everything. Pope Francis is in constant dialogue with the outside world and with the universal Catholic Church. He likes being asked questions, finding it easy to respond, and maintains a good relationship with the press. In this new book are some of his most valuable engagements in dialogue form with people of all sorts and kinds. On the one hand, there is his recent engagement with priests in Colombia who are locked in a struggle for human rights. In another lengthy piece, he talks about the importance of scripture, in a way which shows how this is a living source of inspiration. Also included are the texts of the Pope''s most recent addresses in Myanmar, Peru and Chile. Open to God: Open to the World offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind and workings of this entirely different Pope. As we see in these conversations the Franciscan revolution is under way and, in spite of Francis''s critics, the revolution will roll on and new horizons will be opened for the one and a half billion Catholics in the world today.

Pope Francis'' Apostolic Exhoratation on the family, draws together almost three years of consultations with Catholics in countries around the world. The lengthy document, entitled ''Amoris Laetitia'', or The Joy of Love, affirms the Church''s teaching that stable families are the building blocks of a healthy society and a place where children learn to love, respect and interact with others. At the same time the text warns against idealizing the many challenges facing family life, urging Catholics to care for, rather than condemning, all those whose lives do not reflect the teaching of the Church. In particular the document focuses on the need for "personal and pastoral discernment''" for individuals, recognizing that "neither the Synod, nor this Exhortation could be expected to provide a new set of general rules, canonical in nature and applicable to all cases.

GAUDETE ET EXSULTATE APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION GAUDETE ET EXSULTATE OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS ON THE CALL TO HOLINESS IN TODAY''S WORLD

Pope Francis'' Apostolic Exhoration Rejoice and be Glad--Gaudete et Exsultate involves the call to holiness in the modern world, a topic that has been at the heart of the pontificate of Francis since the beginning. At its outset, Francis makes clear that this magisterial text does not seek "to be a treatise on holiness" but to "re-propose the call to holiness in a practical way for our own time, with all its risks, challenges and opportunities." The pontiff launches a plain, essential message, indicating that what counts, what is the essence of Christian life is to "seek and find God in all things. "It means letting Christ work in our actions. That His thoughts may be our thoughts, His feelings our feelings, His choices our choices. This is holiness, doing as Christ did is Christian holiness." And in this sense he hopes that his "pages will prove helpful by enabling the whole Church to devote herself anew to promoting the desire for holiness." This universal call to holiness is a key teaching from the Second Vatican Council.

“We are frequently tempted to think that holiness is only for those who can withdraw from ordinary affairs to spend much time in prayer. That is not the case. We are all called to be holy by living our lives with love and by bearing witness in everything we do, wherever we find ourselves.” — Pope Francis, Gaudete et Exsultate In his third apostolic exhortation, Pope Francis presents the universal call to live holy lives with a new, fresh approach. We are encouraged to strive for — and achieve — holiness in our everyday lives. As we actively live out holiness day by day, we not only draw closer to the Lord ourselves, but become participants in bringing others to Christ. Gaudete et Exsultate shows us: How to understand and embrace the call to holiness How to spot the contemporary enemies of holiness How to understand Christ’s call to holiness in the Beatitudes How to be signs of holiness in our everyday lives How to draw strength for the battle for holiness

''Holiness is a gift that is offered to everyone, no one is excluded; it constitutes the distinctive character of every Christian''Pope Francis wants the whole Church to promote anew the desire for holiness - in a practical way, for our own time. After analysing and forcefully dismissing two subtle enemies to holiness - contemporary gnosticism and pelagianism - as ''aberrations and obstacles'' to holiness, Francis appeals in detail to the Beatitudes of Matthew and Luke. Here lies the path to our happiness, or, indeed our holiness, by living out the demands and joys of the Gospel. More deeply yet, the Holy Father identifies those harmful ideologies which today strike at the heart of the Gospel, where faith is divorced from deeds, where mercy is lost. Our striving for holiness must be grounded in prayer and discernment so that our lives are transformed in the light of mercy and grace. This entails action and building the Kingdom through social action and care for the marginalised. Pope Francis offers five great expressions of love of God and of neighbour as signs of true holiness for today''s culture. Finally, he sets out the landscape in which today''s spiritual combat is fought against the great enemy, the devil. This calls for vigilance and discernment. Thus, the joyful holiness of the Gospel is revealed to the world in the everyday lives of ordinary people.

Pope Francis'' Apostolic Exhoration " Gaudete et Exsultate" (Rejoice and be glad) involves the call to re-propose the call to holiness in a practical way for our own time. As he has explained in this way, "Seeing and acting with mercy: That is holiness." Throughout the document, Francis urges followers not to withdraw from the world but to engage with it, and to be less consumed with showy demonstrations of faith and piousness than with patiently and lovingly raising children, working hard to support families and representing what he called "the middle class of holiness.

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • Pope Francis illuminates the Lord’s Prayer, the most important prayer in all of Christianity, offering readers a guide to living a life of meaning, purpose and strength. In conversation with Father Marco Pozza, a theologian and prison chaplain in Padua, Italy, Pope Francis offers unprecedented insight into Jesus’s most profound words, as he explores the importance of embracing social justice, benevolence, and forgiveness in our hearts and minds. Looking to address the concerns and hopes of today’s men and women, Our Father: Reflections on the Lord’s Prayer is a guide to living a life full of meaning, purpose, and strength. “We need courage to pray the Our Father,” writes Pope Francis, “to truly believe that God is the Father who accompanies us, forgives us, gives us bread, is attentive to all that we ask, clothes us even better than the flowers of the field. To believe is a big risk.” Challenging this doubt and fear, he issues a call to “dare . . . help oneanother to dare.” With excerpts from some of the Pontiff’s most cherished teachings, this beautiful work offers words of encouragement and inspiration for all who are seeking hope and direction in our often tumultuous world.

A collection of homilies, speeches, and “messages of the day” that brings together Pope Francis’s wisdom on finding happiness in the here and now For Pope Francis, the appreciation of our everyday lives is a spiritual undertaking. Joy is a divine attribute, and creating joy around us an essential part of faith. Every homily and speech in this book delivers, in warm, engaging language accessible to believers and nonbelievers alike, a key lesson, instructing readers on finding love and happiness in a chaotic world. Along the way, Pope Francis discusses the sanctity of women’s rights, talks about how the love of sports can bring out our best qualities, and explains why fighting discrimination is the essence of loving thy neighbor. He shares personal stories and anecdotes from his life, provides comforting messages of hope, and discusses the ways flawed families can make you a better person. The core ideas of Francis’s papacy—mercy, support for marginalized people, and diplomacy—shine through. Praise for Happines in This Life “Though the title of the book mentions happiness, this collection of thoughts addresses something much deeper—joy. Bringing together excerpts from Pope Francis’s sermons, speeches, prayers, and addresses, these pieces address a range of themes, from mercy and humility to simplicity and family. . . . Readers will be encouraged to clear away the cacophony of modern society and embrace the simplicity of joy. A book as loving and encouraging as the man himself seems to be.”—Booklist “With this wide-ranging collection of writings, homilies, and addresses, the current pontiff dispels any notion that religious practice is dour and antiquated. . . . It brings together the pope’s most affecting passages to inspire Catholics (and those of other faiths) to lift up those around them.”—Publishers Weekly “Reminiscent of the gentle encouragement of the Dalai Lama . . . Family-centered and practical—especially on difficult matters of familial contention—these homilies are, on the whole, gentle encouragements to do the right thing. . . . [This] collection offers clear insight into the pope’s doctrinal concerns.”—Kirkus Reviews

2018 Catholic Press Association, 3rd Place: Pope Francis “There is a charm and a charism to Pope Francis. His words have a way of captivating the reader. Like all good pastors, he points to Jesus. Prepare now to join Pope Francis on this walk along ‘the Way.’” —From the Foreword by ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH E. KURTZ Ask someone for a definition of Christianity and you are likely to hear a philosophical, historical, or even cultural description of it. But any explanation of the Christian faith that fails to define it as a way of being, of proceeding, is missing the mark. For at its core, Christianity is about living—and loving—as committed disciples of Jesus Christ. Embracing the Way of Jesus is a beautifully curated collection of excerpts from the homilies and writings of Pope Francis, all centering on Christianity as a way of life—or, as the earliest Christians would have understood it, “the Way.” Through the Pope’s meditations on Scripture, we pause to consider essential aspects of discipleship such as The Way of the Cross, The Way of Prayer, The Way of Children, The Way of the Poor, and more. The book even offers a rare opportunity to see more clearly the path of discipleship through the lens of the Old Testament. For anyone desiring to live out the faith in a way that can truly transform and heal our hearts and our world, Embracing the Way of Jesus is the perfect place to start.

A pope of the people, Pope Francis'' teachings have been praised and shared by the faithful and nonreligious alike. Exploring themes universal to all people, Pope Francis'' Little Book of Compassion offers inspiration and wisdom from one of the world''s great spiritual leaders. Pope Francis appears to be changing the face of Roman Catholicism. He has infused the fusty institution with openness and optimism. He has faced off against established power interests within the Vatican. He has reformed the Church''s finances. And, most importantly, he has asked that Catholics approach one another and non-Catholics with candor, humility, and love. He has made the papacy and the Church relevant once again. This is a collection of his wisdom in a gift format. It is low-impact, easy-lifting wisdom from the Pope. It is spiritual merchandise.

Pope Francis proclaims a new ''Time of Mercy'' opening up before humanity, a cultural revolution to displace the all-pervasive indifference of modern society: a new and joyful ''culture of mercy''.Here is a clear and prophetic roadmap for our future, for individuals, communities, societies and the human family itself. New initiatives and points of emphasis are proposed to open up our hearts to the all-loving God and, in turn, to each other - to build our lives on mercy.

In his latest address to consecrated people, Pope Francis expresses his appreciation for "contemplative sisters", emphasising that the Church needs them "to bring today''s men and women to the good news of the Gospel". This is not an easy mission, in view of the current situation in the world, which Francis suggests is "dominated by the mindset of power, wealth and consumerism". However, this is the challenge indicated by the Pope to contemplative sisters: to be "beacons and torches" that guide and accompany humanity on its journey and a "stairway" by which God descends to encounter humanity, and humanity ascends to encounter God and to contemplate his face in the face of Christ.

The Apostolic Exhortation is striking for its breadth and detail. Its 325 paragraphs are distributed over nine chapters. The seven introductory paragraphs plainly set out the complexity of a topic in urgent need of thorough study. The interventions of the Synod Fathers make up [form] a "multifaceted gem" a precious polyhedron, whose value must be preserved. But the Pope cautions that "not all discussions of doctrinal, moral or pastoral issues need to be settled by interventions of the magisterium." Indeed, for some questions, "each country or region ... can seek solutions better suited to its culture and sensitive to its traditions and local needs. For ''cultures are in fact quite diverse and every general principle ... needs to be inculturated, if it is to be respected and applied''." This principle of inculturation applies to how problems are formulated and addressed and, apart from the dogmatic issues that have been well defined by the Church''s magisterium, none of this approach can be "globalised." In his address at the end of the 2015 Synod, the Pope said very clearly: "What seems normal for a bishop on one continent, is considered strange and almost scandalous - almost! - for a bishop from another; what is considered a violation of a right in one society is an evident and inviolable rule in another; what for some is freedom of conscience is for others simply confusion." The Pope clearly states that we need above all to avoid a sterile juxtaposition of demands for change and the general application of abstract norms. He writes: "The debates carried on in the media, in certain publications and even among the Church''s ministers, range from an immoderate desire for total change without sufficient reflection or grounding, to an attitude that would solve everything by applying general rules or deriving undue conclusions from particular theological considerations."

Pope Francis'' Apostolic Exhortation: The Joy of Love (Amoris Laetitia) brings together the results of the two Synods on the Family convoked by Pope Francis in 2014 and 2015. The Apostolic Exhortation is appreciated as an aid to reflection, dialogue and pastoral practice, and as a help and encouragement to families in their daily commitments and challenges. "Each marriage is a kind of "salvation history," which from fragile beginnings - thanks to God''s gift and a creative and generous response on our part - grow over time into something precious and enduring." (221).

Pope Francis Apostolic Exhortation ''on the family, brings together almost three years of consultations with Catholics in countries around the world. The lengthy document, entitled ''Amoris Laetitia'', or the joy of love, affirms the doctrine of the Church that stable families are the building blocks of a healthy society and a place where children learn to love, respect and interact with other at the same time, the text warns against the idealization of the many challenges facing family life, urges Catholics to care, rather than condemn all those whose lives do not reflect the teachings of the Church. In particular, the paper focuses on the need for "personal and pastoral discernment '''' for people, recognizing that" neither the Synod, or this Exhortation might be expected to provide a new set of general rules, canonical in nature and applicable to all cases "

The broad topic has always been whether the Catholic Church should reposition itself to today''s world realities. Francis listened, prodded and sometimes steered the process, but he mostly kept his own counsel, until now. Having led Catholic into such delicate terrain, Francis has stirred hope and fear. Some religious conservatives even warn he could destabilise the church and undermine Catholic doctrine. Some liberals, though, are hoping Francis will continue in his progressive view in a way that would make the church more responsive to today''s world views. Having paddled through all these pressures Pope Francis document which is arguably the most anticipated document of 2016 from the Catholic world, and indeed the world at large seeks emphatically to affirm not the "ideal family" but the very rich and complex reality of family. Its pages provide an openhearted look, profoundly positive, which is nourished not with abstraction or ideal projection, but with pastoral attention to reality. The Pope brings in for the first time ever a path for the divorced, families, children and hope for gays in a way that destroys any type of discrimination against them whatsoever. The essential importance of this book is extremely beneficial to all Christians, families, children, politicians, the Catholic Church and indeed the world at large.

Pope Francis'' Apostolic Exhoratation on the family, draws together almost three years of consultations with Catholics in countries around the world. The lengthy document, entitled ''Amoris Laetitia'', or The Joy of Love, affirms the Church''s teaching that stable families are the building blocks of a healthy society and a place where children learn to love, respect and interact with others. At the same time the text warns against idealizing the many challenges facing family life, urging Catholics to care for, rather than condemning, all those whose lives do not reflect the teaching of the Church. In particular the document focuses on the need for "personal and pastoral discernment''" for individuals, recognizing that "neither the Synod, nor this Exhortation could be expected to provide a new set of general rules, canonical in nature and applicable to all cases"

Amoris Laetitia (Latin for The Joy of Love) is the post-synodal apostolic exhortation by Pope Francis. Dated 19 March 2016 and released on 8 April 2016. It follows the Synods on the Family held in 2014 and 2015. Its introduction and nine chapters comprise 325 numbered paragraphs. Quotations are drawn from earlier popes, documents of the Second Vatican Council and regional bishops'' conferences, St. Thomas Aquinas, and Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.. It includes what is thought to be the first reference to a film in a papal document, Babette''s Feast (1987), along with references to works by Jorge Luis Borges, Octavio Paz, Antonin Sertillanges, Gabriel Marcel, and Mario Benedetti. The Joy of Love has an Introduction and 9 Chapters: INTRODUCTION: Francis begins by noting a division of opinion during the synods: "The debates carried on in the media, in certain publications and even among the Church’s ministers, range from an immoderate desire for total change without sufficient reflection or grounding, to an attitude that would solve everything by applying general rules or deriving undue conclusions from particular theological considerations." He did not propose to resolve those differences by imposing unity: "Unity of teaching and practice is certainly necessary in the Church, but this does not preclude various ways of interpreting some aspects of that teaching or drawing certain consequences from it. This will always be the case as the Spirit guides us towards the entire truth..." (paragraph 3) He warns the reader that the document addresses many issues in many different ways and therefore says: "I do not recommend a rushed reading of the text." He asks the reader to consider the text "patiently and carefully". (paragraph 7) Another called it a rich reflection and a response to criticism of the 2015 synod''s report, which opened with sociological concerns rather than Scripture. CHAPTER ONE: In the Light of the Word CHAPTER TWO: The Experiences and Challenges of Families CHAPTER THREE: Looking to Jesus, The Vocation of the Family CHAPTER FOUR: Love in Marriage CHAPTER FIVE: Love Made Fruitful CHAPTER SIX: Some Pastoral Perspectives CHAPTER SEVEN: Towards a Better Education of Children CHAPTER EIGHT: Accompanying, Discerning and Integrating Weakness CHAPTER NINE: The Spirituality of Marriage and the Family

A New York Times Best Seller 2017 Illumination Book Awards, Gold (tie): Children’s Picture Book 2017 Independent Press Awards, Distinguished Favorite: Book Cover Design, Children’s 2017 Catholic Press Association Book Awards, First Place: Children’s Books 2017 Catholic Press Association Book Awards, First Place: Pope Francis 2017 Association of Catholic Publishers’ “Excellence in Publishing Book Awards,” Book of the Year If you could ask Pope Francis one question, what would it be? Children have questions and struggles just like adults, but rarely are they given the chance to voice their concerns and ask the big questions resting deep in their hearts. In Dear Pope Francis, Pope Francis gives them that chance and celebrates their spiritual depth by directly answering questions from children around the world. Some are fun. Some are serious. And some will quietly break your heart. But all of them are from children who deserve to know and feel God’s unconditional love. Also available in Spanish as Querido Papa Francisco. "Feels akin to sitting in on a series of intimate conversations." -Publishers Weekly "The People''s Pope shows that he is a down-to-earth man who understands both religion and children." -Kirkus Reviews

“Dear friends, be glad! Do not be afraid of being joyful!” —Pope Francis, from The Joy of Discipleship Near the end of Luke’s Gospel, two disciples slowly make their way home from Jerusalem to the village of Emmaus. At the outset, they are deeply saddened by Jesus’ tragic death. By that evening, however, they have made a 180-degree turn: from dejected disciples to followers filled with joy—a joy they simply must share with others as fast as they can. What accounts for this change? They have encountered the risen Christ! In The Joy of Discipleship, Pope Francis reminds us that joy should be one of the defining characteristics of any person who has truly encountered Jesus. This skillfully curated collection of homilies, speeches, and other documents from Pope Francis, compiled and edited by James P. Campbell, offers a fresh perspective on why Christian disciples should be so joyful in the first place and how that joy might manifest itself in our individual daily lives. Covering a broad range of themes—Christ’s Resurrection, mercy, wealth and poverty, the Christian family, and more—The Joy of Discipleship moves us to meditate on Christ and then inspires us to move out from our own four walls, jubilantly proclaiming God’s transforming love in word and deed. For anyone who wants what Pope Francis has—an active, abiding, authentic love for Jesus Christ, for the Church, and for the people of this world—The Joy of Discipleship will point the way. “This volume gives us a portrait of the Pope and what amazing joy fills his life, his mind, his teaching . . . his discipleship!” —From the foreword by Daniel Cardinal DiNardo

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Pope Francis invites all humanity to an intimate and personal dialogue on the subject closest to his heart: mercy. “Moving . . . [Pope Francis] opens the sacred space of his conscience to explain how he came to center his ministry, and now his papacy, around mercy.”—James Carroll, The New Yorker “The name of God is mercy. There are no situations we cannot get out of, we are not condemned to sink into quicksand.”—Pope Francis In this conversation with Vatican reporter Andrea Tornielli, Francis explains—through memories from his youth and moving anecdotes from his experiences as a pastor—why “mercy is the first attribute of God.” God “does not want anyone to be lost. His mercy is infinitely greater than our sins,” he writes. As well, the Church cannot close the door on anyone, Francis asserts—on the contrary, its duty is to go out into the world to find its way into the consciousness of people so that they can assume responsibility for, and move away from, the bad things they have done. Clear and profound, The Name of God Is Mercy resonates with this desire to reach all those who are looking for meaning in life, a road to peace and reconciliation, and the healing of physical and spiritual wounds.

During his historic visit to the United States in October 2015, Pope Francis encouraged the nation’s bishops to avoid harsh and divisive language, reminding instead that “only the enduring allure of goodness and love remains truly convincing.” These words provide as fine a summary of the Holy Father’s visit (and of Jorge Bergoglio’s papal ministry) as will be found anywhere. In Washington, New York, and Philadelphia, Pope Francis touched the hearts and consciences of Catholics, as well as people of all faiths or no faith, by the power of his gentle witness. The many addresses and homilies offered by the Pope were more than anyone could digest in a few short days. This handy volume gathers all of these texts in a single, inexpensive resource, making them accessible for reflection, study, or prayer by individuals or groups. Included here are his • homily for canonization of St. Junípero Serra • address to the Joint Session of Congress • greeting to a group of homeless people in New York City • address to the United Nations General Assembly • prayer at Ground Zero • extemporaneous address at the Festival of Families • words to victims of sexual abuse • address to inmates at a Philadelphia prison • and much more. This book will serve as a powerful reminder to any reader of “the allure of goodness and love” that America experienced through the presence of Pope Francis.

"In this unprecedented book, questions from children from across the world are presented to Pope Francis -- and the Pope himself answers each letter. All too often, the big spiritual questions from children are ignored or written off as quaint, but Pope Francis helps every child feel God''s love and know that their voices are valued and heard. With each question charmingly illustrated by the child, Dear Pope Francis lets the Pope respond directly to each child with inspiring, meaningful answers. Pope Francis''s joyful warmth and wisdom shine through for parents, grandparents, teachers and, of course, children."--

Pope Francis has often expressed his concern for the urgent pastoral needs of families in today''s society. Underscoring that deep love and concern for the family, the Pope has spent many months speaking on this subject in his weekly Wednesday audience talks. This book is a collection of all of those talks about the family from Dec. 17, 2014 to Sept. 16, 2015. The Pope covers a wide variety of important subjects directly related to family life, speaking in his personal style that offers wisdom and practical insights for the modern family. His words are for families in general, and also directed to the important roles of all those specific persons who make up family life - husbands, wives, parents, children and grandparents. He emphasizes the deep crisis that the family and marriage are undergoing in the Western world, and says that the family is "a new mission field for the Church." He challenges families today to be witnesses to the world of love, fidelity, and service. Some of the specific topics his talks address include: the example of the Holy Family of Nazareth; transmitting the faith; educating the children; family prayer; complementarity of male and female; celebration in family life; mercy and forgiveness; dealing with illness and death; learning the value of work; poverty and economic struggles; evangelizing the culture, and much more. Throughout his addresses, the Holy Father especially emphasizes the primary role of God and faith in family life, and the crucial importance of regular family prayer to draw on God''s grace for strength, love, joy and unity within the home. "The true joy which we experience in the family is not superficial; it does not come from material objects, from the fact that everything seems to be going well. . . . True joy comes from a profound harmony between persons, something which we all feel in our hearts." - Pope Francis

Pope Francis issued his Apostolic Letter Mitis Iudex Dominus Iesus - or "The Lord Jesus, Clement Judge" , by which he introduced reforms to the legal structures of the Church, which deal with questions of marital nullity. The changes announced by Francis modify the procedures for obtaining annulments in two key ways: Eliminating a sometimes lengthy process requiring a second judgment on all annulment decisions and allowing local bishops a so-called "shorter" process to personally judge on cases considered particularly straightforward.