The World Meeting of Families concluded on June 26, in Rome. This year’s four-day gathering was both more modest and more ambitious than previous iterations of the event. There was less spectacle and more focus on actual ministry to families.
In his talk, the pope invoked the parable of the good Samaritan, as he did in the 2020 encyclical Fratelli Tutti, as the ground from which the church’s ministry should spring, and the standard by which it should be guided and judged.
“I think of the parable of the good Samaritan who meets someone wounded and in need,” the pope said. “He draws near to him, cares for him and helps him to resume his journey. That is what I want the church to be for all of you! A good Samaritan that draws near to you and helps you to continue your journey and to take a step forward, however small. Never forget that closeness is the ‘style’ of God, closeness and tender love.”
The pope mentioned all the families which had offered testimonies, and gave a kind of master class for priests the world over who want to understand what accompaniment means.
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Michael Sean Winters covers the nexus of religion and politics for NCR.
With thanks to the National Catholic Reporter (NCR) and Michael Sean Winters, where this article originally appeared.
