Pope Francis has acknowledged that sometimes it’s healthier for married couples to split up.
In his weekly address held on Wednesday in Vatican City the leader of the Catholic Church – an organisation that has traditionally advocated for the indissolubility of a marital union – said that sometimes the separation of a husband and wife may be “inevitable” or “even morally necessary” to protect the “weaker spouse or small children.”
The pontiff said while some couples can overcome their marital woes to revive healthy relationships not all couples are so lucky.
“There are cases in which separation is inevitable. Sometimes it can become even morally necessary, precisely when it comes to subtracting the weaker spouse, or small children, from more serious injuries caused by arrogance and violence, by humiliation and exploitation … and by indifference.”
Francis has been making a series of statements about family issues ahead of a much-anticipated October synod, or meeting, of bishops to address the topic.
Reportedly up for discussion will be how the church can be more accommodating to divorced Catholics who remarry without going through the church process that declares their first marriage null.
“Let us ask the Lord for a strong faith to see with his eyes the reality of family life, and for a deep love to approach all families with his merciful heart,” Francis said.
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